Pullin’ it together with no notice
Two weeks ago, I woke early to my phone humming somewhere under my duvet where it had dropped as I fell asleep watching documentaries on ancient Rome (I know, I have to get out more!). It was a mobile number I didn’t recognise, but I answered.
“Bob from the Today Show, here. Can you be on the Today Show in 30 minutes? We’ll send a crew”.
I happen to be able to dress at the speed of light, so no challenge there. “What would you like to speak about?” I asked. “Queen Mary” was the answer.
So there I am in the shower on my phone (the bed and now the shower – I have a very intimate relationship with my phone) catching up on the photos of Queen Mary that had appeared overnight.
When in doubt, wear red. So I threw on the red. The crew couldn’t make it, so we were on Zoom instead, and I changed backgrounds five times to get one I thought would be right for the interview when a voice said, “You are on after the weather.”
The weather is just about to finish, and my screen goes totally blank for some ungodly reason. Total panic sets in, but I’m “on.”
I can still hear them, they can see and hear me, but I have NOTHING. So there we are. They are showing pictures on screen and talking but I have nothing but black in front of me. What to do?
Well, I can tell you for nothing. My neck went stiff, my smile dropped, and my eyes were startled. I had to scream silently to myself my favourite mantra that everyone I work with knows ‘Nod, blink, smile like an idiot’, and stiffly, my head went into gear. But I had no idea if I was on screen or not, so I also had to make sure I didn’t move because I was in the right spot when it went blank.
I followed my framework for answering questions and interacted with Karl and Sarah, throwing it back to them when I could.
Seriously, it was not the most fun thing I have ever experienced, but I did it. Guess what? Lovely notes from colleagues saying, “Well done this morning”. Mystery of the sphinx.
Later that day I listened this week to a young man who was asked by his boss with “only seven days’ notice” to give a presentation at work. “Outrageous!” he told me. “I need a lot more time,” he shuddered.
Here’s the news team. If you are taking tons of time out of your day to write presentations, you are playing the wrong game.
It doesn’t matter what you are doing in communication; the time comes in training, in having frameworks and skills to work with at the moment. It’s not perfect, but there will hopefully be a next time, and it will be better then, and you’ll be ready for whatever happens. You simply just don’t get the time.
Let me hear your thoughts.
Join my exclusive 3-day retreat, 28th – 30th August 2024
at the stunning Gold Coast Imperial Hotel
Date: Wednesday – Friday, 28th – 30th August 2024
Location: The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast (previously Versace Hotel)
My Confident Leader Retreat take place over 3 days 2 nights with a focus on helping leaders build their executive presence and hone their own unique gravitas within a small group setting.
As well as confidence and skills development, those attending forge an invaluable network, sharing opportunities and forming lifelong friendships.
Transform your executive presence, collaborate with other senior leaders and stay ahead.
Create exceptional presence for better leadership and impact
In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is vitally important, especially during periods of stress and uncertainty. These programs places a strong emphasis on communication skills, particularly in emotionally charged situations, urging leaders to develop their presence, influence, and presentation abilities.
Gravitas Masterclass Melbourne November 2024
Date: Thursday, 28th November 2024
Location: Melbourne
Venue: RACV City Melbourne
