Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Presentation done proper

I'm rubbish at reading instructions, hence my difficulties in understanding what "Squidoo" and "Lenses" are all about. Duh. This blog started out as a "lens", until I realised that what I wanted wasnt a simple list of useful things, but rather a running commentary about things I come across that could prove useful in the future. Well, this one is a cracker - "Best presentations ever".

If, like me, part of your job is to "sell in" other peoples brilliant work (and sometimes my own) then you soon understand how mediocre presentations can not only kill a great piece of thinking, but can damage your client relationships. Part of the battle is to show passion, interest and knowledge in your client, what they're trying to achieve, and how you think your agency's inisight can meet these challenges. The other part is "getting the puppets out" and giving them a good show to boot. You've asked you're client over, so you should at the very least show them a good time.

There are some great examples of well thought out and appropriate presentations in this list, from Martin Luther Kings stirring call to understanding and common unity, Malcom Gladwells "no slides" Blink presentation through to Steve Jobs introducing the world to a new computer called the Apple Mac (whatver happened to that?). I'm no fan of Ken Livingstone, but he once silenced a room of enraged critics by explaining the problems of local government with the politics of whose job it is to change the light bulbs in the street lamps outside your house.

I'm rambling now. Bit hungover having been at a wonderful party last night that included one dead goldfish (blender error), a resignation, an arrest, loud singing, dwarf porn and a very giggly conversation about what the hell Steve Seagal is doing in Croydon these days (something to do with pregnant 16 year olds, according to one of my companions).

Ooh look, it's nearly lunchtime!

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