Ready to Play

Week before last, I gave an oral presentation to a potential client. The presentation went well, but I just didn't have the best feeling when I was done. I found out Friday we didn't get the project. There could be many reasons why we didn't win (including cost), but I can't help feeling some responsibility in the "loss". I was the one who did the pitch.

As it turns out, I had to give a speech on Saturday to about 100 people with a few VIPs present (just to add a touch more pressure to the situation) and as a result of the previous week's experience, I decided that I needed to spend a bit more time preparing. I spent an hour or so getting my thoughts down on paper, thinking through the message, and finding a good flow to the important points. I put the effort in to ensure that I communicated with my audience. I knew I was prepared when I stood behind the podium (which I hate because I like to talk with my hands and I don't like microphones) - that little bit of preparation set me up for a smooth and successful speech. I knew when I was done that I had connected with my audience. It was an exhilarating moment - I knew I had totally kicked A**!

I may have been too lax the previous week in the unsuccessful presentation. I know I had not internalized my thoughts so I could speak easily. I never did connect with those to whom I was talking. It was everything wrong, that Saturday was right.The lesson in this is that every time you step up, you have to come to play. Be ready and deliver. I didn't go into my presentation ready to play, but I did go into my speech that way - it made all the difference.Whether its professional or personal, put the effort in. You will feel better about yourself in the end, and most likely, have the kind of experiences that make you happy.

Note: Myspace blog post transfer