True Story, names have been changed on purpose. "Tim" offered to pick up his friend "Pete" at the airport. Pete's plane arrived on time. He waited and waited. Tim had made sure his plans for the day included getting to the airport ahead of schedule, which was accomplished. Tim waited and waited. Finally both men called home - had their family heard from the other person? No, was the response. Did you confirm where you were to meet your friend before Pete left on his trip? No, just assumed that.... Both men were at the airport on different floors. Because Tim's cellphone was not working(Tim used a payphone), they couldn't contact each other. All was corrected, they met up and drove home.
I call this the "Birthday Party Syndrome". Some of those who have been assigned the traditional details know there is a party, but feel time is on their side. Now it is the day of the party, and on the way they detour to a grocery store, pick up a cake (color, design optional), and get back on the road. Upon arrival, they are asked about how to eat the cake - forks, spoons, plates, etc. Those thoughts never crossed their mind. "Someone Else" usually scrambles and finds something--a paper towel, Thanksgiving plates, brand new Frisbees, etc. and the party becomes the one everyone happily remembers.(Did you note it was not the cake person who saved the day?)
Presentations to important audiences in the business sector can't depend upon gimmicks. They need to have a clear purpose, stick to the point, and always have the audience in mind. It is never about you, it is about them. Details are what sell the presentation. Planning a presentation at the last minute leaves small aspects out. Have a 15 minute power point ready to go that is your core presentation. Then you can trim it down or expand out as the situation permits. This way you are not starting from scratch every time. You may want to keep a couple of these extra presentations also on hand, revise them, etc. after you have evaluated their effectiveness.
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