“Buffi, I have written out my entire speech. I have practiced every word. I know every single one by heart. I know exactly how to stand and exactly when to move. I’m 100% prepared.”<\/p>\n
This makes me nervous. Really nervous.<\/p>\n
Why?
\nAs a coach, it’s my job to help you prepare your pitch, presentation, or talk, right?
\nRight.
\nBut guess what? I’ll never ask you to be 100% prepared.
\nSay what,mama?
\nYup.<\/p>\n
And this is why:<\/p>\n
Life doesn’t work that way.
\nLife throws you curve balls.
\nAnd as a coach, I’m here to show you how to catch them.<\/p>\n
The WIFI signal might drop in the middle of your talk.
\nSomeone in the audience might have a coughing fit and have to leave the room.
\nYou might hear a phone ringing or vibrating in the first row.
\nYou might drop your cards (this is why I will always tell you to number them).
\nSomeone will ask you a question that has NOTHING to do with your talk.
\nYou will be so happy that there is a glass of water waiting for you, and then you will make a wide, sweeping gesture with your arms and knock it over.<\/p>\n
I have personally seen all of these happen in my own talks.
\nYou know what?
\nWet notes suck.
\nGetting off track sucks too.
\nAnd if you are holding on to your talk, word by word, SO TIGHT, you’ve then lost everything. Your whole talk collapses because you don’t know how to cope with these spontaneous hiccups.<\/p>\n
Be prepared for the unexpected.
\nPlan to be spontaneous.<\/p>\n
When you leave room in your talk for flexibility, humor, and a spontaneous, honest reaction, people lean in. They realize you are human and dealing with something that interrupted you. You have your plan B ready to rock, and whip it out of your back pocket like a pro.<\/p>\n
So, the next time you prepare, stay flexible.
\nRealize life gives you lemons sometimes.
\nBut everyone loves lemonade!<\/p>\n