The Big Leagues (Corporate)

[Japher]

This bit of Japher's advice is probably the most important thing to keep in mind:

That was Jrabbit, my advice generally ends with a and shouldn't be taken.

[Ted Striker]

Originally posted by Japher
You'll do fine, as Ted already said.

You know what you know and that is what they will hire you back for. Your boss knows it, you know it, just realize it... You are the man.

Just stay confident and you will be fine. Take critizism with a gain of salt, expect it, react to it, but don't bash it.

If someone says something you disagree with, feel free to argue it, but don't offend, but do argue...

Show that you KNOW what the hell you are talking about... like you do here everyday and you'll be fine

good luck Asher.

That's the key, the rest easy. So you already have the hard part taken care of. If you KNOW what you are talking about and LIKE what you are talking about, it's pretty easy.


So how did it go?

[MRT144]

how about a joke about how every exec opens with a joke

[Ted Striker]

That's pretty good

So how is your situation going MRT?

[MRT144]

meh, alright. my GF is mad at me because i hate my new job already.

[Ted Striker]

Sorry to hear that.

Maybe it will get better after a couple of days.

[Verto]

Begin your speech with a short 5 minute discourse on the advantages and disadvantages of dual-wielding.

[Japher]

the -2 to the off hand kind of sucks, but if you take ambidex your kewl in the gang

[Ted Striker]

Maybe you can duel wield some whoop ass on that ****ing Brad Pitt Parazzi ad that makes so much noise at the bottom of the page!!!!

[Japher]

I hear nothing...Use FF and get a firewall

[Ted Striker]

Firefox does NOT block sounds, unless there is some sound volume control I am unaware of.

It's a banner ad, not a popup ad.

I got 2 firewalls also.

[atomant]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
(-Jrabbit wonders about the wisdom of telling Asher to be himself...)
Just kidding, Asher...

With your self-confidence born of knowledge, I'm very confident you'll acquit yourself well. The advice posted above has you pointed down the right path, and you will do better if you're in your own persona.

I have a couple small bits to contribute.

Open with a joke? Not necessary for a 5-minute piece. You want to make efficient use of everyone's time. (There's nothing wrong with breaking the ice, either, but be sure you don't offend. If you want to go that route, the end of the NHL season would be topical...)

If you get a chance, show up early and check out the stage. Stand behind the podium. If the sound system is on, check it out -- many are taken aback by hearing the sound of their own voice through a PA for the first time. Also -- Know where you enter and exit. Little things like this help you feel like you're in control.

Before launching into your speech, thank the person who introduces you. (It's actually a little trick to help you settle down.)

I would suggest opening with the "humility ploy." By that I mean, state upfront that you're relatively new and thus may have a different perspective, which you've been asked to share with the group. Sets the stage in a non-threatening way. After that, you are free to state your case with confidence.

One thing that's very common to younger or less experienced speakers is to speak too quickly, which can make it difficult to be understood. So don't try to cram too much material into your 5 minutes. A slower pace will make your point more easily understood.

Another common experience is a bit of adrenaline spiking when you start. I've actually had my leg start shaking. This can make you sound shaky, so don't be afraid to step back and take a slow, deep breath to calm yourself. Having a glass of water up there is also smart -- hard to speak well through cotton-mouth.

You also might want to check with your boss re: whether you're to simply report facts, or actively advocate a position. In the former, you're presenting an outline, in the latter, you're drawing a conclusion. Informing vs. challenging. They're very different, and your boss will know what is customary, and what will make you (and him!) look good.

One more thing -- Don't just practice the speech to yourself. Practice in front of someone and get feedback. It takes a third party to reliably tell you if you're too quiet, if you're rushing, etc.

Last item -- Remember not to out yourself in front of a large group. (OK, another little joke there... )

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

Ant agrees with everything the rabbit has said, and can't stress enough not to speak too fast.

Also, whilst on stage testing the mic, check for volume. The last thing you want is some git from the back telling you to speak up.

Take some cards up with you, for me they work as a security blanket. I can usually visualise the cards, so I don't look at them, but I like them there.

Also, do not face the screen (where your slides are) and read the text on the screen. Always speak to the audience, never the screen.

One last tip, try and keep your hand/arm movements to a minimum. People do not want o be distracted.

Again Practise Practise and pratise some more. AND SPEAK SLOWLY!@!!!@!!!!!!

[Provost Harrison]

Asher, never underestimate the knowledge of the person who does the job day-in-day-out. The eggheads may have designed the system but they don't work with it on the basis you do. Therefore you have a niche there, especially if you can propose fixes and workarounds.

[Zopperoni]

As for opening jokes, this one is my favorite:

"Of all the introductions I've had, this one was the most recent" (Philip Kotler)

[Starchild]

Adapt or die. Kill them before they get the chance to kill you. Take no prisoners. Make them love you or crush them utterly but never leave them slighted. Evolution will be served. Resistance is futile.

This has been Starchild's helpful advice for the day.