(Washington DC)   Training Services On Demand, Inc. (TSOD: http://www.tsod.com) recently completed the first series of Presentation Skills Workshops in which participants' presentations were recorded on digital media instead of VHS videotape, according to Marcia George, customer service director for TSOD.

"VHS Video has long been a universal standard," Ms. George said. "For years, participants in our Presentation Skills and Media Relations courses received full-size VHS videotapes of their workshop presentations to ensure they would be able to replay and review their in-class exercises. Moving to digital video was a challenge because we needed a format that ensured that participants could continue to profit from post-course individual analysis."

TSOD's solution was to purchase video cameras that record on Secure Digital (SD) cards. "Most newer computers have an SD card slot, and those without a slot can read the cards through an inexpensive USB adapter," said Frank Whyte, chief instructor for Training Services On Demand. "Participants were overjoyed with the switch. Their feedback indicates that they're more likely to review and benefit from their Presentation Skills workshop coaching now that their seminar videos are only a click away from their computer desktops."

TSOD Presentation Skills Workshops provide team-based communication skills training through two days of interactive lessons that include two video recorded and critiqued presentations: One at the very beginning of the course and one just prior to graduation. Between the two exercises, participants enhance their public speaking skills through on-the-spot coaching and interactive curriculum sessions on presentation planning, using audio/visuals, interacting with audiences, overcoming objections, and using humor.

"Presentation Skills is one of our most popular programs," Whyte said. "In 2008 alone, we worked in 22 states and Washington DC delivering programs that uniquely and vividly demonstrated before-and-after results. Participants witnessed their progress on videotape, or --- in more recent cases --- on a thumbnail-sized digital chip. In either case, they had a lot of fun along the way."

Training Services On Demand is a growing training and employee development contractor successfully working across the corporate, government, and association markets. The company conducts seminars and workshops at customer locations for complete teams, ensuring that its programs leverage team insights and produce team-oriented results. Based in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC, TSOD is a woman-owned small business listed on the GSA Schedule.