I had the privilege of giving a 45 minute talk to an audience of 100 successful business people only to be disappointed on my way home that I had broken my own rule.
I have always worked on the basis that having to listen to someone speak to a group can seem, at times, pretty boring.
We have all been there.
People who are highly talented are not always good at speaking or teaching.
I always work on the basis of a true statement by Sir Gerry Robinson: “There is no such thing as a “Perfect" Presenter, Just someone with clear thinking”.
If everyone can take away one useful point I am happy.
Getting people’s attention span is key and I make it obvious I intend to “Interact” with them to add some humour.
I take an early view by reactions as to who to engage with to liven things up.
If it’s the “Boss” the audience love it.
On this occasion one Man stood out, motionless, lifeless and without expression, even when everyone else was laughing.
Not being the fool I look it seemed Imperative not to Interact one to one with him
After the meeting, those that feel able give you their feelings and thanks and this feels very rewarding.
Others send emails the day after and some have even taken to Twitter.
As I was packing to leave I noticed the expressionless Man coming towards me, perhaps confident because the room had now all but emptied.
Having taken some compliments I felt it fair that I allow him to be the alternative balance.
Imagine my amazement when he very generously related some points I had made that reinforced his own values and thanked me for the easiest 45 minutes he had sat through.
I naturally thanked him suggesting that my goal was always to get people to realise that we lose sight of Important things at times.
He said if it helped he could personally say that it enabled him to now reinforce the points I made.
He had not Intended to drop in but found himself with an hour to spare.
I asked him his role in the Company?
He was the CEO!
How had I broken my own rule?
I advocate never to form opinions too soon as it limits us.
Outward appearance is no guide to the real person within.
Here was a Man at the top of his profession, not generally known for expressing himself too openly, being humble enough to share his thanks.
What made him smile for the first time all night was that I had amused him by being playful with the Managing Director.
Oops!
That explains the laughter in the room.
Before you ask...I find it best not to know because I do not want to Inhibit my presentation.
Clear thinking is far more Important as Sir Gerry was right to conclude.
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