Low & Common? Lofty & Rare!
The “Back to Basics” Series
For want of a Nail, a Shoe was lost.
For want of a Shoe, a Horse was lost.
For want of a Horse, a Rider was lost.
For want of a Rider, a Battle was lost.
For want of a Battle, a Kingdom was lost.
And all for want of a nail.
— Proverb
You’ve seen this play before… The forlorn soul who rises to present and reaches for a writing tool, only to discover that what’s sitting there in the flip chart tray is a… Crayon. (On any given day you might substitute a dried-out highlighter…)
Worse, a highly educated presenter removes their material from a portfolio and discovers that the stand provided puts up a brave front, then collapses under the weight of the charts…
It makes no difference where that individual went to school, how many years they labored on this research, or how naturally brilliant they are. The limits of what they are able to show you at this moment are defined by their tools — in this case — elementary tools.
After nearly twenty years of education, a professional license and years of tenure at a leading firm, the average professional presenter is reduced to relying on the Set Up and Supplies team to provide the tools with which to present a deal worth billions and encompassing the future of all the contributing firms and their associated investors.
A crayon… Really?
We see two bad guys in this story:
- The Set Up and Supplies Team, and…
- The Presenter
1. Set Up and Supply
It’s their fault! They should have intuited your requirements and responded in advance to prevent you from any ill-advised experiences before, during or after your time on stage! Or Not… Maybe it’s yours!
Let’s just get this out of the way: these dedicated people are not at fault! They are doing what they were hired to do: “provide generic presentation tools” at a specific place and time. They buy what seems to be the least expensive and most generic tools. They set them up as well as they know how. All of this is done before show time. You have to give credit where it’s due. If you want generic, they are the people to supply it. So let’s look a little closer to home.
2. The Presenter (YOU!)
The ultimate responsibility for the win or loss comes right back to you. The staff is not comprised of mind readers. If you want it a certain way, specify it, show up early and check it personally beforehand! Make it work!
The Easel
If you’re using a flip chart, make sure in advance that you know the type and have personally become familiar with its workings… (Or you’ll get a tripod instead…) Make sure to tighten all the fittings so it’ll stand straight, and it’ll take the weight of your charts.
The Charts
Make sure you’re using paper that will stand up to the ink you’re using, or it’ll show through from underneath… (Alternative Strategy: Use two sheets per page to prevent bleed through… Do some original work on the charts and see how your stuff shows up in the back of the room. Alter and improve your materials accordingly.)
The Pens
Spend some time in the office supply or art store and find “Your Pens.” Buy a case of each color and throw some extras in your brief bag. Check them before you travel. They’ll be there when you need them.
REALITY CHECK
The above instructions still apply today, but less so, because we’ve moved “forward” into the Electronic and PowerPoint Future. Herewith, the New Rules:
The Electronics
Mac or PC, iPad, tablet or iPhone? Your Call! They all have their challenges — relating to connectors, software compatibility and network connections. It’s not enough to have a flawless presentation inside that cool box you’re carrying — it’s up to you to pre-evaluate the entire pathway between your incredible materials and the eyeballs of the audience. That includes the projector, the screen, the interface controls and the original box… including the three-pronged plug adapter and the extension cord. Oh, and let’s not forget the receiver if required, the remote control — and their batteries and connecting cords.
The Space
Check the light in the room… Where’s the best place for the speaker to see the listeners, to be seen in great light, to have command of the space? Set it up that way. The interesting thing about being the speaker, is that everyone bows to your wishes as to set up. Take advantage of that and set yourself up to win!
Now with all that said, let’s get to the real point…
Perspective
If you think this entire exercise is just about your material, your points, what you want to say or show, you may suffer from a severely limited, low and common perspective. You’re only thinking about showing up on time for the battle…
But in reality, it’s about so much more than content. This presentation is about the material, but also about the quality of the experience and the conclusions the audience takes away. It’s about how they see you as a professional, and about how you see yourself. If you only control what’s on your computer, that is the limit of your influence. But, on the other hand, if you control what’s on your computer, plus what is required and used to present it; the room in which it happens; the light in which it’s seen; and the intentionality behind what’s presented, well, that’s a much higher perspective! You need to be thinking about the nail, the horse, etc… to Win the Battle and save the Kingdom!
Your perspective, your content, your tools, and your presentation: A crayon says a lot about you, none of it good. Think about saving the Kingdom!
Low and Common? Or Lofty and Rare!
It’s. Up. To. You.
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