Presentation Time Squeeze

You were allotted 40 minutes to give a presentation.  But the room was not set-up properly, it took longer than expected to herd all the participants into their seats and once the event did start, the speaker before you who was supposed to take 10 minutes, took 30.  Some speakers dig in, thinking, “I have critical information to impart – I was prepared to speak for 40 minutes and I am going to take my 40 minutes.”  Then they speak for an hour.  Every person in the room just wants that speaker dead, so they can go to lunch.

When things are not going according to schedule, your time may be cut short.  Be prepared to give your 40 minute presentation in 20 minutes or even 10 minutes.  If you have a slide show presentation, create shorter versions, so you do not appear to be skipping through slides.  Practice your presentation and time it.  People who are not prepared tend to go over time.  Be respectful of other people’s time, even if your time is cut short.

From  the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com

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Mad Dash from the Lectern

Some people introduce a guest speaker, then make a run for it.  Can’t get away fast enough.  They are moving at such a pace that they should be sponsored by Nike or Gatorade.  The guest speaker has not even reached the stage and the person who introduced him or her flies by without even shaking hands.  Or that person dives off the stage in the opposite direction.  Where’s the fire?

When introducing a speaker, wait at the lectern until the speaker gets there.  Shake hands with the speaker, then walk – don’t run – back to your seat.  If you are the guest speaker, wait for the emcee to return to the lectern and shake hands before departing.

From  the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com

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