The most important factor in delivering a successful presentation... empathy !
You often see pocket lists that address this key aspect of business. I always look intently at these to see whether they have included what I believe to be far and away the most important element. The reason that I feel quite strongly about this? ...I learnt this lesson the hard way.
A member friend Earl Lappen had asked me to present on knowledge management in the clunky old former premises of the Australian Institute of Management in North Sydney. Being a casual member at the time (circa 1998), I had been there once or twice earlier and witnessed speakers struggling with the noisy intermittent air conditioning, the microphones that had minds of their own and the audio visual gear that usually took assistance from the 'techo guy' to both get and keep going.
On the night, I did my best to address all these 'front of mind' things and got through the planned agenda (with the air-con off) - a technical subject I delivered to what I believed to be a somewhat technical group - AIM's member chapter of 'the business systems group'.
Upon asking for questions afterwards, you could have heard a pin drop amongst the fifty odd present as ten or maybe twenty seconds passed; until one member quizzically asked "do you think any of these things are relevant to small business?" A question I was utterly unprepared for as I had assumed the audience to be mainly 'systems oriented' representatives from major corporates.
But hey ...when you've 'dug a deep enough hole you just keep on digging' ...so I then asked "how many of you here are from small business to-night?" A clear majority of hands went up in the room. I then delivered what I thought to be a passable answer to a brave question, but the whole time realizing that both my context and content had both missed the mark on the evening.
The most important element in preparing for a speech/presentation - know your audience!!!
I hopefully made up for this error some ten years later, when as a chapter convenor, I presented a member forum on the same topic using some relevant business colleagues who ((like Earl) remain linked-in up to this day - Duncan Robinson, Pat Lockley and Peter Niven.
During the introduction, I made note of my clumsiness from all those years before and broadly encouraged the audience to stay involved for the duration to ensure that none of us drifted off the radar. Never forget that communication is a two way process.
It often pays to ask background questions of your audience before you start (as well as reading the attendee list as they arrive). This type of introduction, that promotes immediate comments, brings with it a 'buy-in' that gets the group involved right from 'the get-go' as well as making you fully aware of who you are actually sharing with.
It also pays beforehand to be in touch with all the marketing data that has been circulated and to whom - this aspect is not always achievable but does 'throw even further light' on your planned audience.
Good luck with your next presentation! Enjoy!
GF
Reflection
(seeing things through other people's eyes is often not as easy as some like to think!)
The man in the mirror
is toiling away
working off last night's fun
A self-critique
while purging away
reflection on the run:
I pump and I grind
cause I have to really
I carry some weight you see
Cause the man in the mirror
he ventures on out
a little too often that's me
As I work through the sets
thoughts comes on through
a 'little' uncomfortably
I'm the man in the mirror
I'm feeling good but
moving gingerly...
The woman with the hat
was in my face
well ...that was plain to see
A friend of a friend
she was so pissed off
...but hey ...well ...not because of me?
What about Sonia's brother in law?
some argue
even when they're wrong you see
He's better off really
for the 'spray' I gave him
but hey ...deservedly
I was with that blond
...say ...why not?
she captured my interest awhile
The 'hat lady' sank as the
blond headed 'skank'
waved at me and smiled
The blond wouldn't dance
when I offered the chance
said I'd indulged 'too willingly'
Tried to resolve it
but I couldn't hold it
in speaking ...adequately
More time at the bar
could only but mar
any chance of a budding romance
By now kind of numb
right down from my bum
best suited for sitting ..not dance
Then that fellah
who just kept looking..
staring provokingly
I broke my rule
confronted the 'tool'
sorted it out...gentlemanly?
Sometimes there are things
that are much better
well...left more unsaid
A good shove ...yeah
it works every time
Puts the issue 'straight to bed'
The pain in my shoulder
I can't quite trace though
the bouncers do come to mind
For no good reason
that I can recall
the barman really wasn't that 'kind'
My mates tell me
I could do a little better...
be more careful with what I drink
But those last few...
'wow'!!!
kind'a creep right up on you
you just really can't ...'think'
Anyway...
I'm better for the workout
Now it's time to text the boys
Sunday's a good day
I always reckon
for makin' a little noise...
Reservedly though
yes so reservedly so
I'm a social soul
that's me
Yeh!
Forwarded from my I phone - Grahame J Flynn
