Sidd Chopra, founder of SpeedSpeak, a global consortium of world-class communications experts who help professionals to become better, more efficient communicators, is teaching high school students how to communicate their ideas for a business to potential investors.

Chopra’s workshop is part of the Indus Entrepreneur’s (TiE) Young Entrepreneurs program, a six-month intensive program designed to teach students about entrepreneurship. The February 5 workshop was held at Briar Creek Country Club in Raleigh.

Chopra’s three hour workshop entitled “How to Present an Idea” taught students basic communication skills for entrepreneurs, the type of information investors seek and how best to pitch investors.

Students in the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program team up to compete for $10,000 in cash award that can used to start a business and a chance to compete in against teams from Boston, Silicon Valley, London and New Delhi for a $50,000 award. This year’s TYE Global competition will be held in North Carolina at the end of April.

“Given the recent economic crisis, it is more important than ever to equip today’s students with the skills they need to compete successfully in the global economy,” said Chopra. “I’m proud to be associated with this program that helps students turn an idea into a reality. The program will reap great benefits, not only for these students, but for society as a whole.”

Chopra is also teaching communication skills to student entrepreneurs at Duke University’s Masters of Engineering Management program and at NC State University.

“Sidd's presentation style keeps students fully engaged,” said Abhi Muthiyan, project manager for TiE Young Entrepreneurs and chief technology officer for Patagonia Health. “In three short hours, Sidd gives the young entrepreneurs the tools they need to present to an investor panel. His techniques have a profound impact on the students, which is why he is invited back each year. We greatly appreciate his contribution to this program."

In addition to teaching, Chopra offers professional communications coaching to individuals. He has also developed a range of tools that are available online to help individuals improve their communication skills.

Chopra, the author of the critically acclaimed book “Power Presentations for Professionals on the Go!,” utilizes a combination of easy-to-learn techniques, project planning and cognitive psychology to help individuals improve the comprehension and retention of their presentation material while reducing the time required to prepare for presentations. He has taught the art and science of communication to executives, attorneys, politicians, entrepreneurs and engineers and serves as a subject matter expert on communication to the Project Management Institute (PMI Global).