Part 1 of 7: The Presentation

Yesterday, flattered to be asked by LL but brain-dead, I tossed off seven facts about myself in the shortest possible amount of time. Upon reconsideration, I've decided to turn it into a seven-part series of reflections. So here goes--part one.

Later today I will be giving a presentation about a project to a group of people. It is a project about which I am ambivalent, a group of people I respect, part of a process which has been painful. All in all, it is not something to which I am looking forward much.

Creating the presentation has been an exercise in balance and diplomacy, mixing frankness with judicious phrasing. I must be honest, and thorough, and non-prejudicial. I will try not to be boring. But I know that some of my listeners won't listen at all, having already made up their minds. Some will listen with only half an ear, already knowing the story. Some will listen with the happy glow of an audience pleased with the story it's hearing--perhaps. Perhaps this story will please no one.

Do I want to sway people? Only to the extent that I want them to think hard, to think reasonably, to set aside their preconceptions and prejudices and act on facts as they are, not as they should be. I want them to trust me enough to listen fully to what I say. But their decision must be their own.

It's going to be an interesting day.

So here is what this says about me, I suppose. I take my work seriously, trying always to do the honorable thing, and don't mind speaking in public even on difficult issues. But I think very, very carefully about how I will say what I must say.

Andrea, what are seven things we should know about you?

Comments

[PT-LawMom]

Good luck. Sounds like it will be a challenging day. I know I have a hard time staying calm and balanced on issues that are important to me, especially inflammatory ones. I think parenthood helps us to learn that skill.

[Chris]

If you had more time, I would recommend "Crucial Conversations" and "Crucial Confrontations," two books by Tom Peters. I have been reading the latter and found wisdom about how to address issues of accountability, expectation gaps, "safety" that allows people to talk about touchy areas, and a lot more.
You would probably see application in your profession and circles of control/influence.
"Grant success to the work of our hands."