Winning Presentations

Raju

I had to make a presentation to a delegation that came from Europe.  The presentation was an overview and update of our business.  At the end of the meeting / presentation, we were looking for investment from the European / Global division of the visiting company.

The night before the presentation I spoke to Mohan and asked him for some tips.  He asked me to draw two sets of concentric circles:

1. One with my name in the centre and WATER VIOLET, LARCH, GENTIAN and WILD ROSE in the outer circles in that order and
2. Another one with my name in the centre along with the person I was making the presentation to, date and location and ELM, GORSE and HEATHER in the outer circles in that order.

I drew these circles on two sheets of paper and took them along with me in to the meeting room.  The meeting started at 10 a.m. and my turn came at around 4 p.m.

What I observed during the day was that the main person in the visiting team was someone who did not smile through the day and did not really give away any of his emotions / views.  When I started presenting, I suddenly felt very comfortable and at ease and I actually smiled during my presentation.  This, in a way, forced a smile on that person who was tight-lipped and was on guard.  In fact, he said a few words in appreciation of the work we are doing too.

Explanation

WATER VIOLET, LARCH, GENTIAN and WILD ROSE: a good combination for any interviews including Visa Interviews, and for meeting with big bosses

ELM, GORSE and HEATHER: Heather will make people listen to you, while Elm and Gorse will increase your capacity / skill

R Mohan

I was about to give a presentation to engineering students from Anna University. Naran asked me to chant OAK and MUSTARD to prepare the presentation, and write “ELM, GORSE and HORNBEAM” on a piece of paper and keep it with me while giving the lecture. Without fail it worked wonders.

Explanation

OAK: for smart presentation

MUSTARD: to know what the students would expect and meet them; will throw light to us to understand the needs of the students

ELM, GORSE and HORNBEAM: teacher’s remedy for taking classes