If you give regular presentations, whether you are a professional speaker, or are a speaker where you work; check out World Champion’s Edge for ongoing coaching. WHY am I mentioning this?
In the speaker/advice forum, there was recently a poster who asked “What do you AFTER you bomb?” Have you been there? Have you ever stood up in front of a group of people, ready to give your presentation (proposal, training session, or other), and just bombed. What did you do to try and correct or make up for it?
A friend of mine, Palmo Carpino of Calgary, AB – Canada; gave an answer that I found too exceptional. With his permission, I have decided to re-print that answer here…
A few years ago, I had a similar experience – NOT a similar CHEQUE, just a similar experience. That’s what I love about this forum. It keeps dredging up my past, opening old wounds and just sticking it all right back in my face… Just so that we don’t forget and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
I had some associates tell me, “it’s over, it’s done, it can’t be changed, do not admit to mistakes”. (this goes totally against some deeper convictions). The situation did not allow me to re-address the same audience but I could (and did) address the individual who brought me in. They figured that “time will heal all wounds” and although I didn’t present to the same larger group, I did make other presentations, much shorter and more productive to more specific groups with better results. I slowly worked my way back up to the point where confidence was re-gained on the company’s side. The smaller successes helped with the process.
What was learned, on both my part as well as on the part of the planner, is that all parties should be clearly aware of the expectations and results that are required. Just like a well scribed job description, there needs to be a defined measure or standard which will facilitate both the presenter as well as the host in determining – ahead of time – what will make for a successful event.
I ADMITed the misunderstanding.
I SUBMITed some options and proposals
I REMITed additional time on my part to encourage future development (which was both appreciated and helped start a rebuilding process)Be prepared on YOUR PART as well as on the HOST’S PART.
Palmo Carpino of Calgary, AB – Canada
Palmo Carpino is a Production Artist for Applied Communications, a Marketing and Advertising company in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Along with several years in StandUp comedy, he is also a Professional Speaker, Advanced Toastmaster, and Coach specializing in Humor and Presentation Skills.
This is great advice. If you are getting paid to speak, this will allow you to make a reasonable attempt at salvaging your client relationship. If you only present at work, you can use portions of this advice to salvage you reputation with your boss and/or your company’s clients.
So, think back. HAVE you ever bombed a presentation? What did you do?
