A favorite story of mine involves a master violinist who was giving a performance to a large crowd when suddenly he broke a string. The listeners who were close enough to see what happened let out a collective audible gasp. But … the violinist, not missing a stroke, continued on as if nothing happened.
Then the unthinkable happened. Another string broke and everybody not using those little binoculars saw it, let out a groan loud enough to disturb even the most composed performer. Fully expecting him to stop, switch violins, then continue the crowd was amazed to see him continue on again as if nothing happened. Only after finishing the piece did he nonchalantly walk off stage and switch violins.
Related: 23 Thoughts on Improving Your Professional Speaking Skills
This story has served me well when I get up to give a presentation. I am determined that nothing will prevent me from finishing what I start when given the opportunity to present and an audience wanting to listen in.
Not a computer crash, not anything will stop me. Maybe if the cruise ship turned over, I’d have to rethink this thought.
The point is that a master professional speaker needs to be ready for anything s/he needs to know how to finish their presentation come what may with whatever resources are left at the time.
What would it take for you to abandon your presentation midstream?
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