The Seven Strategies of Master Presenters - Lifecycle Performance ...

The Power of Lifelong Learning / 245
credibility, there is no way that I could have learned as much
at Harvard as I learned in preparing for and acting as a
cofacilitator in that meeting. As part of my preparation, I
read every newspaper article that was written about the tar
ponds and conducted a number of in-depth interviews. I then
wrote up this case from each group of participants’ point of
view. In so doing, I attempted to understand each participant
group’s point of view. I researched each participant’s
platform with the same depth and detail as an FBI profiler
would use to try to understand their suspect. I firmly believe
that you cannot attempt to change someone’s mind if
you do not know where their mind is.
Several months later, I modified and wrote up this case and
I now have an absolutely terrific case study whereby the
participants in one of my courses have to work in groups to
decide how they would prepare for this same meeting. After
the participants give their ideas on how they would prepare
for the meeting, I debrief the session with how we set up the
meeting in reality. Comparing their results with what actually
happened is edifying both for the participants and for me.
Now that I have developed the case, tried it out, and know it
inside out, I also have a terrific story that I can use in my
presentations on how we can build our future with creative
rather than wasteful solutions.
It was documented above that leaders and executives learn 50 percent
of what they have learned about being a leader from experience.
It seems reasonable then that presenters would also learn 50 percent
of what they learn from experience. By judicially enhancing the types
of experiences we have, we can enliven both our training and our
keynotes while enhancing our credibility.
2. Learn From Mentors
If you have never experienced a mentoring relationship, we suggest
you give it a try because whether you are the mentor or the
“mentee,” you will learn and grow from the experience. If you want to
accomplish a task, learn from others who have gone before. They can
help you farther down the road, faster, just by sharing their successes
and their mistakes.