It’s easy to get complacent.
If you’ve done the same talk many times, the temptation is just to wheel it out again and do your thing.
Which can be fatal.
Or, at least, insipid and uninspiring. Which is almost as bad.
.
I was teaching Commercial Communication to the Enterprise Tech programme, part of the Cambridge University Judge Business School, last week.
It’s a terrific and very popular initiative, which offers a taste of business and entrepreneurship to students from Cambridge and beyond.
I’ve been with the programme since the start, several years ago…
So I knew I had all the material, a lecture which worked..
I could have just turned up and delivered it again, and yet…
That didn’t feel right.
.
I thought about why, and then realised.
First of all, Enterprise Tech has a new home this year, the lovely Jesus College.
I have never presented in the hall we were using before…
So I immediately realised I needed to get along early.
.
I wanted to look at the angles from the perspective of the audience.
So I knew exactly where to stand to be seen clearly by everyone.
As well as display positive and commanding body language.
And also, in terms of voice projection…
What was required to make sure I could be heard clearly.
.
Something in the newness of the experience must’ve triggered a sparkle of creativity in my mind.
Because, as I went through the presentation to practice my lines…
I spotted a couple of parts which could be improved.
It only took a few minutes' work…
But made me feel re-energised about the lecture, and so, I think, able to deliver it with far more oomph.
.
I’m pleased to report everything went very well, and my talk was warmly received.
I’ll never know how much of that was down to my extra preparation this time around, and the recharging of my mindset…
But that doesn’t matter.
In my heart it made a difference.
I feel like a proper professional for having put in the additional work, educated and entertained as well as I could, and just as importantly…
The experience reminded me of a big lesson.
.
Getting complacent is an easy trap.
However many times you’ve given a talk before, it can always be improved.
And for the audience, and not least yourself…
It’s well worthwhile doing so, to ensure you always give the very best that you can.
