Tag Archives: public speaking

Touch My Computer and I Break-a Yo Face

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Powerful Laptop Computer

Why do people (most notably co-workers and room proctors) feel compelled to approach your computer moments before you go live with a presentation?

Guard your computer at all times, especially before you “go live.”

One of my earliest memories presenting software to a large audience was early 2001. Back then, software virtualization was rudimentary. Demo environments, built on external hard drives, were swapped for the internal hard drive. Boot time spanned approximately 20-30 minutes and you needed to provide the machine with ample time to “warm up”. The conference, comprised of manufacturers and accountants, I was paired with a sales rep on our team who was known for his theatrical antics. Moments before we are set to begin, unbeknownst to me, he decides to make a few changes to the PowerPoint. Not a good idea. My laptop shuts down and now we have 20 minutes to fill with his standup routine.

With less than one week before I present at our annual conference, I recall last year at the same event where I narrowly escaped a similar plight when a room proctor decided my resolution settings weren’t optimal. Apparently he was distraught with the three inches of black space around the edges of the 60 x 60 screen. Fortunately for both of us, his face was untouched and so was my laptop.

Be on your guard at all times. Control your destiny and don’t allow others to impact the great presentation you planned.

Even the Experts Need to Practice

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Stop yourself from “eastwooding”

Imagine … you are an 82-year old actor accustomed to performing in front of live audiences your entire professional career. Your experiences aren’t limited to acting but you’ve also acheived elite status as an award-winning director. Two weeks ago most of us witnessed what happens when you don’t prepare for a presentation and decide to “wing it”.

Over the weekend, in an interview with a local newspaper, Mr. Eastwood recanted the events leading up to his performance at the Republic National Convention  – http://usat.ly/QrXJt1.

Now, I’m fairly confident no one following my blog, or any of our peers in the channel, can hold a candle to Mr. Eastwood’s extensive public speaking resume. However, even with his storied career his actions clearly prove you MUST always practice, practice, practice. It is so essential to be impeccable with your words and test your ideas/thoughts before you go live.

Even if, as Mr Eastwood learned, you’ve been performing presentations for years you still need at least one dry run. Take time to walk through your presentation with a co-worker, a friend or family and I guarantee you will be rewarded by your efforts.