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Actual for You - Outsmarting the Sprites: How to Prepare for Presentation Disaster
Let’s face it, the entire world is moving to electronic payments. The reason is obvious. Electronic payments are safe, fast, and easy to track. Funds are accessible to your workforce quickly. Most importantly, electronic payments can save your company money. You can issue paper checks but what happens when they are stolen or lost? Also, tracking paper checks around the world is an expensive administrative nightmare.Forward thinking businesses are using both international debit cards and global direct deposit to pay people around the world. With the advantages of international debit cards and global direct deposit, you are able to automate your operations and increase productivity that will help you retain your competitive edge.If you have traditional direct deposit, workers must have bank accounts into which the money can be deposited. International debit cards and global direct deposit allow you to pay your network of world wide employees in their own currency. This solution eliminates currency conversions, fluctuations, and confusion.Across the world, debit cards are the fastest growing way to disburse paymen
Explore With practice and repetition behind you and flow in front of you, the sprites must seek another opening. They look for the unexpected. Accordingly, you should take time to Explore all the potential unplanned challenges. Some people accuse me of being an “Eeyore” on this subject because I over-think potential calamities.
It is true that I spend a great deal of time exploring what could go wrong. I ask
myself a number of questions:
* What technology issues could pop up?
* What questions might the audience ask?
* What would a heckler say?
* Are there any electrical wires to trip over?
* What health problems could someone in the audience have during presentation?
I explore these potential dangers not because I am a pessimist, but because the
more emergencies I envision, the less likely the sprites are to surprise me.
Protect
Once you have identified a potential challenge, you should Protect yourself from it
by devising a solution. You should then protect yourself again by devising a solution
for the solution. You should ask yourself, “What’s the backup plan?” Then ask
yourself, “What’s the backup plan for the backup
Acquiring another corporation usually means that the acquiring company's name will be the name of the newly merged entity. There is one factor that can change that -- one that is stronger than anything else. What is it? It is you, the consumer.There is nothing that stirs fear in corporate boards of directors more than negative consumer feedback. The way a company is perceived -- through marketing of its product line to community involvement -- will determine whether the company ultimately succeeds or fails. Thus, it is the buying public -- consumers -- who truly determine the direction a company moves. Lost sales = a sinking business.In acquiring another company, usually the larger company does one of two things:1. It takes the smaller company and absorbs the company within the body of the parent organization. The acquired company retains its name and, for all practical purposes, appears to be a separate company. Consumer confidence in the brand remains static in this case. What is an example of this? Check out the companies/products owned by Beatrice Foods.2. The acquired company is absorbed in totality; t
One time, when I was attending an American Society for Training and Development International Conference and Exposition, a featured speaker began by saying that this opportunity to present in front of his/her colleagues was the completion of a lifelong dream. It was a bad choice of words. The audience responded enthusiastically. The sprites responding by freezing the presenter’s laptop.
The presenter apologized and asked permission to reboot. As the computer tried to recover, the presenter stalled. 10,000 people waited … and waited … and waited. After 10 minutes and a different computer hookup, the presentation finally began.
I had been forgiving up to that point. After all, the sprites can attack anyone. It is what occurred next that astounded me. The presenter could have continued without waiting for the PowerPoint to reload, but had not prepared for a sprite attack.
I’ve seen the sprites attack other presenters too. At the 2002 ASTD conference a famous presenter was discussing the proper usage of PowerPoint slides. Again the sprites pounced. There was a misspelling on a slide and a participant told the presenter so. The presenter interrupted the presentation and changed the slide as the entire audience waited. The sprite no doubt laughed.
In 2003 I was the presenter attacked. As I began a discussion of the distractions cell phones cause during modern training programs, a sprite commanded my computer to download software. I was forced to, like those presenters before me, halt my presentation and deal with a sprite.
All three examples are true. All put the presenter on the spot. All inconvenienced the audience. All were avoidable. In this article, I hope to help you outsmart the sprites by examining the extensive preparations show biz professionals practice. In fact the acronym for those preparations is P.R.E.P.A.R.E. We will discuss each of the steps in the acronym sequentially, beginning with Plan.
Plan The Plan is the most critical part of any performance but the least noticed by the audience. To gain insight into the length Hollywood goes when planning a movie, consider the current movie phenomenon The Lord of the Rings. The extended DVD version of The Fellowship of the Ring features hours of material showcasing the years of planning that went into that production including concept development, scripting, storyboarding, scenic selection, character development, music creation and actor casting. All these details added to the success of the film. Any one of them handled poorly could have ruined it.
Presentations, although not as involved, still require planning. That planning often starts with a concept that is developed into a script. I realize that some presenters prefer an outline. Outlines do offer spontaneity. But what they lack is specificity. A show biz production contains a myriad of details not readily apparent in an outline. The very act of scripting places a discipline on the performance that cannot be obtained in any other way.
For an example where the stakes can literally be life or death, consider the legal profession. Lawyers script their opening and closing arguments, witnesses script their testimony, and judges script the explanations of their rulings. They plan what they will say in the courtroom so that it will be factually correct and logically thought through.
Scripting forces you to determine exactly what you mean, how what you mean connects with what you’ve already said, and how what you will say leads inevitably to a grand finale where every detail of the performance connects. So therefore, the first step in foiling the sprites is to capture it all on paper.
Rehearse In entertainment you can spot the true professionals. They Rehearse so much that they look unrehearsed. They “flow.” Flow occurs when you know something so completely that concentration is no longer required (much like our daily commutes: we’ve rehearsed that drive for months).
Constant, repetitious, mind-numbing rehearsal beyond endurance is the price performers pay to achieve flow. They examine the script line by line to plot the logistics of the performance. They determine where the props should be placed, how each item and person will get from point “A” to point “B” and correct disconnects in the script. These run-throughs, although tedious and time consuming, eliminate many of the flaws that attract sprites. As a result the performer becomes one with the presentation.
Explore With practice and repetition behind you and flow in front of you, the sprites must seek another opening. They look for the unexpected. Accordingly, you should take time to Explore all the potential unplanned challenges. Some people accuse me of being an “Eeyore” on this subject because I over-think potential calamities.
It is true that I spend a great deal of time exploring what could go wrong. I ask
myself a number of questions:
* What technology issues could pop up?
* What questions might the audience ask?
* What would a heckler say?
* Are there any electrical wires to trip over?
* What health problems could someone in the audience have during presentation?
I explore these potential dangers not because I am a pessimist, but because the
more emergencies I envision, the less likely the sprites are to surprise me.
Protect
Once you have identified a potential challenge, you should Protect yourself from it
by devising a solution. You should then protect yourself again by devising a solution
for the solution. You should ask yourself, “What’s the backup plan?” Then ask
yourself, “What’s the backup plan for the backup p
In order to standardize and make all medical records available to hospital staff, colleagues and officials many health care institutions are computerizing their records and switching to an electronic medical records system. However, these systems are not universally accepted and the advantages and disadvantages are under debate by the medical community.The idea behind electronic health records is to have a computer-based history of a patient's clinical and administrative details. This will include every document made by each doctor that was ever involved with the patient's medical history.The big benefit of this computerization is that it is easy for a new doctor to pull a patient's history, even from one hospital to another. On the flipside is the ever-present possibility of invasion of privacy.Different care providers in the medical community may have different protocols in treating some conditions, and these differences may not be able to reflect in a shared medical record.The issue with all computerized systems is security. Software developers in the EMR industry are taking steps to imp
In 2003 I was the presenter attacked. As I began a discussion of the distractions cell phones cause during modern training programs, a sprite commanded my computer to download software. I was forced to, like those presenters before me, halt my presentation and deal with a sprite.
All three examples are true. All put the presenter on the spot. All inconvenienced the audience. All were avoidable. In this article, I hope to help you outsmart the sprites by examining the extensive preparations show biz professionals practice. In fact the acronym for those preparations is P.R.E.P.A.R.E. We will discuss each of the steps in the acronym sequentially, beginning with Plan.
Plan The Plan is the most critical part of any performance but the least noticed by the audience. To gain insight into the length Hollywood goes when planning a movie, consider the current movie phenomenon The Lord of the Rings. The extended DVD version of The Fellowship of the Ring features hours of material showcasing the years of planning that went into that production including concept development, scripting, storyboarding, scenic selection, character development, music creation and actor casting. All these details added to the success of the film. Any one of them handled poorly could have ruined it.
Presentations, although not as involved, still require planning. That planning often starts with a concept that is developed into a script. I realize that some presenters prefer an outline. Outlines do offer spontaneity. But what they lack is specificity. A show biz production contains a myriad of details not readily apparent in an outline. The very act of scripting places a discipline on the performance that cannot be obtained in any other way.
For an example where the stakes can literally be life or death, consider the legal profession. Lawyers script their opening and closing arguments, witnesses script their testimony, and judges script the explanations of their rulings. They plan what they will say in the courtroom so that it will be factually correct and logically thought through.
Scripting forces you to determine exactly what you mean, how what you mean connects with what you’ve already said, and how what you will say leads inevitably to a grand finale where every detail of the performance connects. So therefore, the first step in foiling the sprites is to capture it all on paper.
Rehearse In entertainment you can spot the true professionals. They Rehearse so much that they look unrehearsed. They “flow.” Flow occurs when you know something so completely that concentration is no longer required (much like our daily commutes: we’ve rehearsed that drive for months).
Constant, repetitious, mind-numbing rehearsal beyond endurance is the price performers pay to achieve flow. They examine the script line by line to plot the logistics of the performance. They determine where the props should be placed, how each item and person will get from point “A” to point “B” and correct disconnects in the script. These run-throughs, although tedious and time consuming, eliminate many of the flaws that attract sprites. As a result the performer becomes one with the presentation.
Explore With practice and repetition behind you and flow in front of you, the sprites must seek another opening. They look for the unexpected. Accordingly, you should take time to Explore all the potential unplanned challenges. Some people accuse me of being an “Eeyore” on this subject because I over-think potential calamities.
It is true that I spend a great deal of time exploring what could go wrong. I ask
myself a number of questions:
* What technology issues could pop up?
* What questions might the audience ask?
* What would a heckler say?
* Are there any electrical wires to trip over?
* What health problems could someone in the audience have during presentation?
I explore these potential dangers not because I am a pessimist, but because the
more emergencies I envision, the less likely the sprites are to surprise me.
Protect
Once you have identified a potential challenge, you should Protect yourself from it
by devising a solution. You should then protect yourself again by devising a solution
for the solution. You should ask yourself, “What’s the backup plan?” Then ask
yourself, “What’s the backup plan for the backup
There is a growing public perception that companies are ignoring health and environmental concerns in their quest to maximise profit and in doing so they ignore other equally important issues such as environmental concerns and local communities. You only need to watch the news to see another company being fined for destroying the environment or the rainforests to achieve higher profits.Business such as the co-op offer a real alternative for people concerned with these issues and with businesses that combine a strong ethical dimension in tandem with making profits. With corporate social responsibility the new buzz word, businesses need to have ethical values that are embedded in their company, the way they operate, and seek to make a contribution towards local communities where they are based and around the globe. It’s about giving back to people that are good enough to spend their hard earned money in your shop or on your website.By supporting and purchasing from green and ethical companies you are not only favouring ethical products, be they fair trade, organic or cruelty free, but you are having an effect on those busi
Presentations, although not as involved, still require planning. That planning often starts with a concept that is developed into a script. I realize that some presenters prefer an outline. Outlines do offer spontaneity. But what they lack is specificity. A show biz production contains a myriad of details not readily apparent in an outline. The very act of scripting places a discipline on the performance that cannot be obtained in any other way.
For an example where the stakes can literally be life or death, consider the legal profession. Lawyers script their opening and closing arguments, witnesses script their testimony, and judges script the explanations of their rulings. They plan what they will say in the courtroom so that it will be factually correct and logically thought through.
Scripting forces you to determine exactly what you mean, how what you mean connects with what you’ve already said, and how what you will say leads inevitably to a grand finale where every detail of the performance connects. So therefore, the first step in foiling the sprites is to capture it all on paper.
Rehearse In entertainment you can spot the true professionals. They Rehearse so much that they look unrehearsed. They “flow.” Flow occurs when you know something so completely that concentration is no longer required (much like our daily commutes: we’ve rehearsed that drive for months).
Constant, repetitious, mind-numbing rehearsal beyond endurance is the price performers pay to achieve flow. They examine the script line by line to plot the logistics of the performance. They determine where the props should be placed, how each item and person will get from point “A” to point “B” and correct disconnects in the script. These run-throughs, although tedious and time consuming, eliminate many of the flaws that attract sprites. As a result the performer becomes one with the presentation.
Explore With practice and repetition behind you and flow in front of you, the sprites must seek another opening. They look for the unexpected. Accordingly, you should take time to Explore all the potential unplanned challenges. Some people accuse me of being an “Eeyore” on this subject because I over-think potential calamities.
It is true that I spend a great deal of time exploring what could go wrong. I ask
myself a number of questions:
* What technology issues could pop up?
* What questions might the audience ask?
* What would a heckler say?
* Are there any electrical wires to trip over?
* What health problems could someone in the audience have during presentation?
I explore these potential dangers not because I am a pessimist, but because the
more emergencies I envision, the less likely the sprites are to surprise me.
Protect
Once you have identified a potential challenge, you should Protect yourself from it
by devising a solution. You should then protect yourself again by devising a solution
for the solution. You should ask yourself, “What’s the backup plan?” Then ask
yourself, “What’s the backup plan for the backup
If we are involved in managing change, we will come across the terms Stakeholder Analysis, Stakeholder Management and Stakeholder Engagement. So what is the difference between these three concepts? Let’s take a look at some definitions from dictionary.com.To Analyseto determine the elements or essential features of to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential elements or give the essence of to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etcSo essentially, Analysis is about understanding.To Manageto take charge or care of to dominate or influence (a person) by tact, flattery, or artifice to handle, direct, govern, or controlSo while Analysis is about understanding, Management is about control.To Engageto occupy the attention or efforts of a person to secure for aid, employment, use, etc. to attract and hold fast to attract or pleaseSo Engagement is really about attraction.In my seminar, The Art and Science of Stakeh
Scripting forces you to determine exactly what you mean, how what you mean connects with what you’ve already said, and how what you will say leads inevitably to a grand finale where every detail of the performance connects. So therefore, the first step in foiling the sprites is to capture it all on paper.
Rehearse In entertainment you can spot the true professionals. They Rehearse so much that they look unrehearsed. They “flow.” Flow occurs when you know something so completely that concentration is no longer required (much like our daily commutes: we’ve rehearsed that drive for months).
Constant, repetitious, mind-numbing rehearsal beyond endurance is the price performers pay to achieve flow. They examine the script line by line to plot the logistics of the performance. They determine where the props should be placed, how each item and person will get from point “A” to point “B” and correct disconnects in the script. These run-throughs, although tedious and time consuming, eliminate many of the flaws that attract sprites. As a result the performer becomes one with the presentation.
Explore With practice and repetition behind you and flow in front of you, the sprites must seek another opening. They look for the unexpected. Accordingly, you should take time to Explore all the potential unplanned challenges. Some people accuse me of being an “Eeyore” on this subject because I over-think potential calamities.
It is true that I spend a great deal of time exploring what could go wrong. I ask
myself a number of questions:
* What technology issues could pop up?
* What questions might the audience ask?
* What would a heckler say?
* Are there any electrical wires to trip over?
* What health problems could someone in the audience have during presentation?
I explore these potential dangers not because I am a pessimist, but because the
more emergencies I envision, the less likely the sprites are to surprise me.
Protect
Once you have identified a potential challenge, you should Protect yourself from it
by devising a solution. You should then protect yourself again by devising a solution
for the solution. You should ask yourself, “What’s the backup plan?” Then ask
yourself, “What’s the backup plan for the backup
Companies are hiring right now. This is definitely good news and the sign of a strengthening economy. Since Corra Group specializes in background checking services we have observed the up tick. We have found our business has increased in these recent months. We are getting calls from all over the country. Some are from companies with HR managers who are experienced in background checks. But many are from HR personnel who are not entirely familiar with the process.These HR Personnel who are new to employment screening services. They may lack the experience and wherewithal to understand the kind of employment screening they should order, or even how to comprehend the more intricate aspects of a final report. If there are red flags, they may want to know how to proceed. At the same time they are often being pressured by the hiring managers to bring someone on board, to fill the gaps, without much further delay.This can lead to serious mistakes. This can create oversights or the dismissal of not only the more obvious criminal records, but of the little things that may provide testimony to the candidate’s ac
Explore With practice and repetition behind you and flow in front of you, the sprites must seek another opening. They look for the unexpected. Accordingly, you should take time to Explore all the potential unplanned challenges. Some people accuse me of being an “Eeyore” on this subject because I over-think potential calamities.
It is true that I spend a great deal of time exploring what could go wrong. I ask
myself a number of questions:
* What technology issues could pop up?
* What questions might the audience ask?
* What would a heckler say?
* Are there any electrical wires to trip over?
* What health problems could someone in the audience have during presentation?
I explore these potential dangers not because I am a pessimist, but because the
more emergencies I envision, the less likely the sprites are to surprise me.
Protect
Once you have identified a potential challenge, you should Protect yourself from it
by devising a solution. You should then protect yourself again by devising a solution
for the solution. You should ask yourself, “What’s the backup plan?” Then ask
yourself, “What’s the backup plan for the backup plan?” Finally, ask yourself, “What’s
the backup plan for the backup backup plan?”
For example, consider technology issues and ask yourself, “What if the laptop crashed?” Then determine to bring backup overhead slides just in case. Next ask yourself, “What if the overhead projector light bulb blows?” Then resolve to bring an extra light bulb with you. Finally ask yourself, “What if that light doesn’t work?” Then learn to present without your slides just in case.
Here’s an example from my own experience. In My Training With A Beat presentation, I demonstrate the various uses for music in learning environments. Without music there can be no presentation. I have protected my clients (and myself) by integrating the music into the PowerPoint presentation. I then travel with the music on a backup CD-ROM and a back-up audiocassette. As an extra precaution, I have recorded the music onto a VHS tape so that, even if all the usual audio channels are unavailable to me, I can play the music on a TV. On the remote chance that all these mediums should become demagnetized, I also carry several emergency musical CDs.
Accept
In improv training, comedians are taught to welcome the unexpected, to treat sprite
surprises as gifts. These gifts lead to new discoveries. I will never forget the time, as
a magician performing the linking rings (eight rings link and unlink at will), a mike
stand got in the way. Much to my surprise, the sprites linked a ring to the mike
stand! Even more surprising was the audience reaction. They applauded! That bit
immediately became a part of my act.
It is an axiom among magicians that the magician has greater power because the audience never knows what is coming. Chances are that when something unexpected happens, the audience will, as they did with my link to the mike stand, regard the occurrence as planned. This fact gives the performer a decided advantage. If you Accept whatever happens as a gift, the audience will likely never know the sprites struck.
React
Accepting is not the same as compliance. Even when something unexpected occurs,
you should still take charge. React with an aura of confidence knowing that you are
prepared. Ironically, the amount of preparation you have engaged in will rebound to
your advantage. Your client will be impressed by the amount of preparation you
went to the deliver for them. In this perverse sense you should welcome the sprites.
Your reaction to their mischief will only make you look more professional.
Enjoy
You’ve planned, rehearsed, explored, protected, accepted and reacted. The final
step is to simply Enjoy whatever happens. You control the dynamic so relax and
place your focus where it belongs, on your audience. This focus will drive the sprites
crazy.
A Show Biz Tradition
So, remember to P-R-E-P-A-R-E. And as a wish for luck (and in case the sprites are
listening), break a leg!
Visit Lenn on line at www.offbeattraining.com lennmillbower@offbeattraining.com
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