Presenter Franziska Zimmermann in the Premium Speakers interview
Franziska Zimmermann is a presenter who not only hosts events professionally, but also infuses them with character, energy and impact.
With her infectious laugh, clear vision and keen understanding of people, she manages to present even complex topics on stage in a way that is accessible, engaging and confident. Her experience in the business and corporate world makes her a strong partner for specialist conferences, leadership events, panel discussions, galas and hybrid formats.
As a former Head of Business Development at a management consultancy, Franziska Zimmermann understands the perspectives of start-ups, SMEs and international corporations from her own experience. She knows how decision-makers think, which questions matter and how to convey content in a way that resonates with the audience.
In this interview, Franziska Zimmermann talks about thorough preparation, the structure of moderation, handling challenging situations on stage – and why successful events always need an emotional connection.
Interview with Franziska Zimmermann:
How did you come to become a presenter, and what sparked your interest in this profession?
I came to this wonderful job in a different way to most presenters, I imagine: not through a degree in journalism or work in radio or TV, but through my many years in specialist and leadership roles in HR and management consultancy. There, effective presentation and communication have always been part of my job description. I also had a brilliant time hosting internal and external events, webinars and workshops. And at some point, I decided to combine my ‘love of the limelight’ with my experience in the business and corporate world and work full-time as a freelance business and event presenter.
Incidentally, that was one of the best decisions of my life, because I love this job!
What qualities and skills do you consider to be the most important for being a successful presenter?
I’d say: a keen sense of curiosity (about people, specialist topics, stories and the background to things), enthusiasm (for one’s own work, as well as the ability to inspire and engage others), good listening skills (which start with the briefing and end with the effective moderation of a panel) and spontaneity and flexibility (because things rarely go entirely to plan).
Could you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event that you’ve hosted?
I still remember very well hosting a two-day conference with several thousand participants, which had already been very labour-intensive to organise. When I arrived in the afternoon for the technical and sound check, the organiser came up to me beaming and said something along the lines of: “It’s great to have you here, Franzi. Unfortunately, I’ve just received word that the trade journalist who was due to chair the first panel tomorrow has had to pull out. Could you please step in and take that on as well?”
Of course, I agreed, because I didn’t want to let anyone down. It turned out to be a very short night, though, as I had to prepare properly for the panel discussion as well, but luckily everyone was very happy in the end! And after the conference, I finally had a proper lie-in!
How do you prepare for a presentation, and what strategies do you use to remain flexible during an event?
In-depth! Because without good preparation, there can be no good hosting. I’m absolutely convinced of that! I read up thoroughly on the topics, familiarise myself with the companies and speakers, liaise with the organisers, and think carefully about the impression the event should ultimately leave on the guests! Of course, I also go through my hosting script several times before an event, but I don’t learn it off by heart! After all, it’s often the unplanned and spontaneous moments and interactions that make a good event presentation special and stick in people’s minds. And if things don’t go quite as planned, a bit of humour usually helps!
How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
If it were easy, anyone could do it! 😉
When it comes to facilitating, the same principle applies that I learnt over many years in management consultancy: there are no problems. Only challenges that can be solved! And if there’s a challenge like that (or several at once) during an event, I don’t start looking for someone to blame or getting worked up; instead, I immediately start thinking in terms of solutions and Plan B, C, and so on.
This also means that I think about a possible Plan B well in advance. For example, when I’m facilitating using an iPad mini, I always have a printed version of my facilitation cards with me. And conversely, I have the backup on the iPad when I’m guiding an event using physical facilitation cards.
And in my experience, when unexpected situations arise (e.g. technical faults, a speaker running late, etc.), it often helps to simply address the ‘elephant in the room’ and take the whole thing in your stride with a sense of humour!
Thank you very much for the interview!
Would you like to book Franziska Zimmermann as a presenter for your next event? Feel free to get in touch with us: èPHONE] or franziska.zimmermann@premium-speakers.com