We're All Presenters

We’re all presenters, and not every presentation is a traditional speech, business meeting, keynote, sales pitch, TED Talk, etc. As we broaden our definition, we can approach every interaction as a presentation - a chance for a meaningful exchange - and an opportunity to positively impact others. Every interaction can be a moment to share, teach, learn, and connect…together.?

For me, this perspective has been a game-changer. Understanding the significance of all interactions, I began to take stock in my presentations, identifying the audience and format that brings me the biggest challenge, and acknowledging where I need to improve. The results are interesting, to say the least…and I’m not always one to say the least.?

So, below are some of the most popular, interesting, and challenging presentations I’m currently delivering, along with some honest and vulnerable post-session notes. I hope this list (in no particular order) adds a little insight, brings you some joy, and sheds some light on the opportunities and challenges of our day-to-day “presentations”.?

PUTTING THE KIDS TO BED

Post session notes: Tough audience in general. Not an easy time slot to deliver a meaningful message. Audience is usually tired, wiggly, and slightly manipulative. Tricky combo all around. Incentives do not seem aligned. I want them to go to bed. They don’t want to go to bed. This gig is not for the faint of heart. Lastly, if there are 2 or more audience members, they will work together to sabotage the session. Be aware.

HELPING WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATH HOMEWORK

Post session notes: Again, tough audience. This math is not elementary. Usually, these presentations happen after dinner, and audience suffers from “food coma”, or so they say. Emotions run high and escalate very fast…for both presenter and audience. Sometimes audience thinks they are the presenter, and vice-versa. Presentation often ends abruptly, and assignment remains incomplete. For this gig, I do not include a survey because the results would be less than favorable. Set the bar low and dust off your long division.

RUNNING INTO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS MY NAME AND I DON’T KNOW THEIRS

Post session notes: This is not my favorite gig, but I do deliver it quite often. Many delivery options here, but no clear path to success. Do I surrender early and tell them I don’t know their name? Do I purposefully stretch out the conversation and hope the name miraculously surfaces over time? Do I fake it the whole way and depart with no name, but tons of shame? I’ve run all three scenarios with varying degrees of success. Side note: If the name miraculously comes to you, don’t get caught up in the relief, and say the name over and over and over. Act like you knew it all along. Be cool.

CHECKING OUT TOO MANY ITEMS AT THE “10 ITEMS OR LESS” LANE AT GROCERY STORE

Post session notes: This presentation can be risky, but also exhilarating and quite fun. Full transparency: I love delivering this presentation. However, I do not deliver this session with families present; specifically, my family present. This is not for everyone. Some will claim it’s deceptive, I consider it to be efficient. Don’t get arrogant and show up with 20 items. I’ve found 13-14 items will suffice and get you through with no questions asked. Stay calm.

BRINGING ALL THE GROCERIES IN THE HOUSE IN ONE TRIP

Post session notes: Some people may not see this as a presentation, but more of act of defiance. These people are narrow minded. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase grit, resiliency, one-arm strength, and determination. This is actually one of my favorite presentations. I deliver this set a few times a month, and I highly encourage a large, supportive audience for this gig. Do not add firewood to this equation. Leave it in the trunk.

TAKING PART IN A ZOOM MEETING ON FRIDAY AT 4:00EST

Post session notes - This session is not as painful as many people assume. It’s not ideal, but this set always runs shorter than scheduled and the bar for any meaningful outcome is really low. I like to keep it light, upbeat, and simple. I always end with “I’m going to give you all some time back. Do me a favor and have a great weekend everyone!!!” People love this, and they’ll literally wave goodbye as the meeting ends. It’s so cool. Wave back.

LEADING A CONFERENCE CALL WITH MORE THAN 8 PEOPLE ON THE CALL

Post session notes: This is one of my most difficult presentations. If you have a problem with interruptions and people saying, “No, you go ahead. No, you go ahead…”, this set is not for you. Fun game I like to play: At the end of the call, ask a question directly to someone who hasn’t spoken a word during the call. It adds some fun and excitement as they hear their name for the first time in an hour, race back from another room in their home, and navigate the mute button. Let them in.

NAVIGATING THE CAR LINE AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DROP OFF

Post session notes: Very tricky gig. I have a critical audience of two in the car but there’s also a tough audience watching in the other cars. The audience for this gig is…actually everywhere. You don’t want to cut anyone off, literally. These are neighbors, community influencers, fellow parents, etc. Tensions are always high here. I find drop off to be a bit more tense than pick up. I’m trying to take these gigs less and less as I progress in my career. Side note: Worship music helps on the drive there. Side, side note: Be prepared for the in-car audience to repeatedly say, “Dad, don’t embarrass me”. This is an advanced presentation, on so many levels. Not for everyone.

With all of that said, presenting is for everyone! We’ll all have our high-stakes engagements and our seemingly small interactions on the daily. Once we embrace that we are all presenters, it’s important to know where we’re at our best, and where we can improve. What presentation style suits you best? Who is your toughest audience? What presentation format gives you the biggest challenge? What format puts you in a position to best shine? What audience makes you feel most at home?

If we approach our traditional presentations, our day-to-day conversations, and every interaction, as an opportunity to make a positive, lasting impression, we’ll always be ready to have a meaningful exchange. So, here’s to wiggly bedtimes, hard core homework assignments, random run-ins, grocery store check-outs, crowded conference calls, late Friday Zooms, and elementary school drop offs. And here’s to taking all of these presentations, these moments, these interactions somewhat seriously, while making sure we don’t to take ourselves too seriously.

Presentation On. Game On.