“Welcome to 6am weight training class! Everyone pick up your bar bells, let’s get started!”
…… SILENCE……..SILENCE……SILENCE……
“One minute, class, something is wrong with the stereo, give me just one, hold on one sec…”
…….. SILENCE…….. SILENCE…..
“Uh, haha, I don’t know what happened to the music… just, uh…. um….”
Poor girl! On time every single Tuesday, enthusiastic, hard worker but her plan BLEW UP.
If you are in business, at one point or another, your big well-thought out meeting, call, or presentation might EXPLODE! It’s not always your fault, but here is how to prevent explosions and proceed smoothly if they arise.
1. The Day Before Rule (PREVENT)
This rule (that I made up but should be a law) says: To ensure an error-free presentation, meeting or call, you MUST test all connectivity the day before.
Connectivity? I am talking about visiting your presentation room the day before the spotlight is on you to see your PowerPoint on the big screen, check sound, and get comfortable with the room. I am talking about having a friend try to Log-In to the WebEx you are hosting to make sure everyone can see your desktop. If these technical components aren’t checked, your meeting starts off rocky and doesn’t leave you feeling or looking confident. Don’t look like a shmuck. Test it out.
2. Dust Yourself Off (PROCEED)
That moment, right when the silence of your glitch kicks you in the butt, are the crucial few seconds that will continue your successful moment or crumble your credibility.
Rules:
– Do NOT start blabbing! “Um…” “One second…” “Must be… uh…” SHUT UP. Be silent, concentrate, and fix the problem.
– Insert light one-liner. Making fun or light of the situation leaves you and your audience less uncomfortable with the awkward silence. If you aren’t funny, don’t try this.
– IF… Speakers out? Speak LOUD and slow. Computer battery dies? Present off memory. You practiced, right?
Your ability to take a tech glitch and pull it off can give you more credibility overall. It’s how you respond in critical situations that build trust, faith, and credibility. Minimize the possibility of BLOWING UP your master plan with The Day Before Rule. Don’t blow it.
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