Professional Consulting Skills

Project definition 

• Advantages of a clear project definition. 
• Define goals with the SMART rule. 
• Describe the project task in detail using the context model. 

Analysis technology 

• Problem structuring as the key to mastering even complex tasks. 
• Completely map possible solution paths with the deductive solution tree. 
• Hypothesis-driven solution tree - this is how consultants from the top consultancies proceed. 
• Identify and plan activities on the basis of a solution tree in an end-product-oriented and effective manner. 

Data collection through expert interviews and other techniques 

• Approaches to information gathering. 
• Designing effective expert interviews. 
• Target group analysis, interview guidelines and preparation steps. 
• Basics of communication. 
• Control the course of the conversation with variable questioning techniques. 
• Use active silence to gather information. 
• Tips for follow-up. 
• Questionnaire design and efficient desk research (incl. internet research). 
• Consolidation: Role play "Expert interview". 

Persuasion techniques 

• Overview of the 7 psychological foundations of persuasion. 
• Prepare persuasive talks effectively. 
• Persuasion strategies to overcome obstacles. 
• Avoid mistakes when persuading. 
• Practicing what has been learned through role play "persuasive conversation". 

Storylining and chart design 

• Address relevant topics in a targeted manner. 
• Market your own work results correctly. 
• Focus instead of quantity of information. 
• Structured analysis as a basis for presentation. 
• Target and addressee definition. 
• Work out relevant analysis results. 
• Develop a "story" - the central theme of the presentation.  
• Identify central statements. 
• Develop a convincing argumentation structure. 
• Apply pyramidal thinking. 
• Design presentation charts.
• Develop a storyboard as a sequence of charts. 
• Build and implement a chain of argumentation.

Presentation technology 

• Design presentations according to the pyramidal principle. 
• Powerfully introduce and conclude a presentation. 
• Use media in a targeted manner. 
• Tips on body language and tone of voice. 
• Dealing with critical situations. 
• Present proposals convincingly.

Practice transfer 

All training content is demonstrated using concrete examples or simulations. 

Specific examples of exercises are given on the following main topics: 

1. Defining the project scope and objective. 
2. Development of a (hypothesis-driven) solution tree to analyze the problem. 
3. Planning the procedure and estimating the effort based on the solution tree. 
4. Obtaining the relevant information and data through interviews, persuasion and an overview of other methods. 
5. Selecting and structuring the available information for the presentation creation (storylining). 
6. Preparation of the final presentation.