Middle Management, Living the Dream

If you’re presenting as part of a conference or group meeting, be ready with a ‘Short-’ and a ‘Long-’ version of your presentation.

If you’re in a group of more than 1 person speaking at a meeting, the likelihood of everyone before or after you being on time is almost zero.  If you are the last one to present, it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to get screwed for time.  If you’re short with time, DO NOT JUST STICK TO YOUR SCRIPT.  If your 20 minute time slot winds up being 8 minutes, no one will give a fuck what you have to say in minutes 9-20 if you’re preventing them to get to another meeting or, Cthulu forbid, you’re keeping them from going home.  They will tune you out, or worse, they will fucking revolt, cut you off, hang up.

When you’re writing, think about what parts can be fleshed out, or cut away on the fly if needed.  Remember, if you’re presenting, you need to be seen as an authority on your content.  If you can’t give the elevator pitch version of your material right along side a full lecture, you’re doing it wrong.

I’m writing this because I’m giving a 10 minute presentation today.  I’ve timed out my portion to be just about 6-7 minutes.  The woman who will intro me will speak for 3-5 minutes.  I already know I have to cut material. I’m also the last agenda item.  I might not even get half of my content out.  

But I have the short-short version ready to go.

EDIT:  Also, if you’re presenting before someone, make sure you hit your time.  Don’t be the ass that goes over and screws everyone else for time.  Practicing what you’re going to say helps you get a feel for time.  You’d be surprised how few people actually do that.