Do you experience your presentations as a journey to an end point? A climb to the summit? Are you trying your best to ‘get through’ the content in the most ‘painless’ way?
A presenter recently shared with me that they experience their presentations as a climb to the top of a mountain. At the end of the presentation, the view is spectacular and they enjoy their moment at the summit. “I’m looking forward to getting to the top and enjoying the view from there.” This sounded like a useful metaphor until I noticed the impact this was having on the presentation. At a number of points there seemed to be some tension and a sense of urgency creeping in.
Now I’m an impatient person and my immediate response was ‘Why wait? Why not enjoy the view on the way up as well?’
I shared with her an experience I’d had this year, on a trip to Switzerland. I recalled standing at the foot of a mountain taking in the scale and beauty of the journey before me. Standing in the bright sunshine, feeling its warmth on my face as well as the morning chill, smelling the crisp, clean air and anticipating my arrival at the summit. During the ascent, I remembered the times I paused to take in the ever changing view, each time seeing new wonders and perspectives; and then there was the breathtaking beauty, the sense of accomplishment and peace at the very summit. Quite a journey.
I asked how ‘enjoying the view on the way up’ might change their experience of the presentation. In an instant, the presenter transformed. A huge smile blossomed on her face and I sensed a new energy and joyfulness in the continuing presentation…something that both she and the audience loved.
I offer this story for two audiences – Presenters and Life Adventurers!
If, like my friend, your presentations are a rush for the finish, what message are your audience getting? More importantly, what message(s) are they missing?
And beyond the meeting room? If you’re waiting for the finish line, how many magic moments are you missing and in missing them, how many wonders are you hurrying others by?
Our lives rarely stand still. Our goals and finish lines will continually move. Why wait for a few moments when you’ve achieved something wonderful? Wouldn’t you rather have those moments AS WELL as a wonderful journey too?
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Call to action
What projects or goals are you working towards?
What will you do to enjoy the view today?
Images courtesy of Evgeni Dinev
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