I am a technical guy by nature. I have 2 awesome topics to present at the Microsoft Management Summit in a couple of weeks.
I’ve been working away on my presentations and focusing on the technical content. So I have what I want to show… why don’t I feel like this presentation is quite ready?
That was 2 weeks ago.
Last week, I attended an exclusive event that the Microsoft ITPROs held to help Ottawa area influencers improve their technical presentation skills. I have taken a business communication skills class before and I feel I am better for it so I was eager to learn from the same guys who I have worked alongside with and respect.
Something I heard in the workshop just clicked… “Focus on the message, use the technical content to support your message.”
This may seem obvious but let me tell you, when you are focused on creating and delivering a presentation at a key even like MMS in Las Vegas, you can lose focus.
I realized that I was focusing my efforts in the wrong area. I know the technical content. What I was not doing was focusing on what information I want those attending my presentation to walk away with.
Now that I have that fact straight in my head, things immediately fell into place and I feel I have regained control.
Focus on the message!