Many professionals know their work. Far fewer feel comfortable explaining it.

Jan Fraser says that gap often determines who gets hired, promoted or trusted in business settings. A certified speaking professional and global speaker fellow, she works internationally with organisations to strengthen leadership, customer experience and human connection.

Tomorrow she will share that approach during a daylong workshop for anyone who wants to learn how to communicate more clearly and confidently.

Effective communication, she said, is less about performance and more about intention — being able to explain who you are, what you do and why it matters. In many situations, she added, professionals are effectively selling themselves, whether in job interviews, business pitches or everyday workplace conversations.

“So power speaking is with focus, with authenticity and intention. I call it an elevator pitch: what do you do? What's your purpose in life? What is your best skill?”

Being prepared, she said, allows people to make an impression quickly.

“But you have to be prepared to give them enough information from the ground floor to the fifth floor of the elevator as it's rising, enough that they say, Well, this is an interesting person. This is a possible candidate for our business.”

Her workshop is designed as a practical session rather than a lecture. Participants begin by speaking about something familiar and personal, without slides or notes, before receiving coaching to help them find their natural speaking voice and reduce hesitation and filler words.

Small verbal habits can undermine a message and distract listeners, Ms Fraser said.

“I went to the Not The Um Um Show when I first came here and found that we do have [filler] words in Bermuda — every culture does — and when we use them, it separates us from our audience.

“I think ridding yourself of filler words accelerates people's belief that what you're telling them is important.”

Many of the challenges she sees stem from a lack of confidence rather than ability.

“There’s also fear of rejection of whatever their message is — that it won't be convincing, or people won't believe them. Fear that it won't be palatable for their audience, fear of whatever they're saying, or how they look.”

She added that delivery and presentation also influence how a message is received, noting that posture, appearance and body language all affect audience perception.

“Image is key. People are looking and listening to everything, and they're going to form an opinion,” Ms Fraser said.

Her interest in communication grew out of her own experience as a shy student in Dayton, Ohio, where she struggled to speak even in class discussions.

“I took a speech class in high school, but I did not have the confidence to speak. So I just waited for everybody else to speak and then, I might add something or not.”

The turning point came after her older sisters graduated, leaving her to navigate high school on her own.

“It was difficult, but I think it grows on you and as you go to college, to university, you have to speak up. You can’t take your sisters with you everywhere. And so I started to find myself and find my voice.”

Her career began with American Airlines, where she worked first as a flight attendant before moving into training new hires and corporate clients.

While travelling for American Airlines training in Kansas City, she noticed a seminar company holding auditions in her hotel and approached organisers to ask if she could try out as well. She later secured a place on the national speaking team.

“I think it was because I spoke up politely, figured out what they were doing, and I'm always helpful,” Ms Fraser said.

The opportunity led to work with several seminar companies before she established her own business, Jan Fraser and Associates. After moving to Bermuda, she continued training locally and internationally, work she said has now spanned about 40 years.

In Chennai, India, this month, she addressed an international conference of professional speakers.

“I got a standing ovation. I think part of that is because I relate to people, I engage with them, whatever audience I'm speaking in front of,” Ms Fraser said.

While working for American Airlines she was sent to Hyderabad, India for six weeks to conduct training.

During that visit she bought a traditional salwar kameez, which she chose to wear again on her recent trip to Chennai.

“I decided to take it with me to Chennai as a way to engage with people. I always say to my classes, find something that will engage you with your client. So I wore my salwar kameez and I started my talk saying I fell in love 26 years ago …. and that got their attention.”

Whether addressing hundreds or coaching a client one-on-one, the goal remains practical improvement.

“My work is always about enhancing strengths and polishing delivery — never exposing shortcomings. I work in an atmosphere of positivity and I see great speaker results by the end of the day,” Ms Fraser said.

“In my coaching practice, everything is handled with complete discretion and confidentiality. Leaders, executives, ministers, candidates and team members come to me not because something is ‘wrong’, but because they are committed to elevating their presence, strengthening their clarity, and refining their impact.”

• Jan Fraser’s Power Speaking and Presentation Skills Workshop takes place tomorrow from 9am to 4.30pm. To register, e-mail janfraserrocks@gmail.com, or call 492-7272. For more information visit janfraser.com