If you have the choice, would you present first or last?
Recently I was at a networking meeting that brought ideas and investors together, and in all of this an important topic was raised... as well as a differing opinion.
The Founder and CEO of a successful startup was offering business perspective and advice as to what it takes to make your idea a reality. There was no doubt he had a long runway for success and his advice (and perspectives) were "spot on"; that is, until the inevitable happened — You know... as you are listening to a presentation, inevitably something is said that you completely disagree with.
As the CEO was providing his insights, he made it a point to say how important it was to ensure you are "first" on the list of presenters and whatever you do, make sure you are "not the last".
Being an instinctive contrarian, I actually think being the last one to present is of great benefit...
His reasons for presenting first were all very sound:
- You get your thoughts out first and set the tone.
- The audience is all fresh, eager, and ready to listen.
- By the end of a long day of presentations, everyone is thinking about little more than just "getting out of there".
A few days after that meeting I was at an informal retreat and posed this question to a number of experienced business professions who echoed what the CEO said and why.
I didn't agree with them either. I should be clear that I don't disagree with their reasoning, but more with the thinking that being last is a disadvantage.
Here is why I see being last as an advantage.
- Even though I am standing between the audience and the bar, I am the "last face they will see".
- Since I know the audience will be tired, already influenced by others, and have formed opinions, I will have to deliver a presentation that is so much better — Knowing I am already at a disadvantage will challenge me to simply be better, be more creative, and figure out how to overcome all the challenges the CEO mentioned.
There is also one other reason.
Sometimes you will have no other choice than be the last to present, so you may as well learn how to get really good at it.
As that ol' saying goes, "If you are able to do it in the bad times, just imagine how easy it will be in the good times."
iamgpe
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Comments
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #22
Thanks for the comment Randall Burns
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #21
Thanks for the comment and the insight Harvey Lloyd. You are right... it is great discussion. Something I very much like about beBee.
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #20
Thanks for the insight and the link Javier \ud83d\udc1d beBee
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #19
Thanks for the valuable insight Anne Thornley-Brown
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #18
Thanks for the comment Anne Thornley-Brown
Randall Burns
7 years ago #17
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
7 years ago #16
I received a certification (at a very low level, but still) in DiSC years ago, Graham\ud83d\udc1d Edwards, so yes, I know a little about it (just enough to be dangerous, as they say). And I'm a confirmed D/I myself. No natural C (except in my work), and since I love to be around the S types, I work on that aspect of myself.
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #15
Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸
7 years ago #14
Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸
7 years ago #13
Anne 🐝 Thornley-Brown, MBA
7 years ago #12
Anne 🐝 Thornley-Brown, MBA
7 years ago #11
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #10
Thanks for the comment Ren\u00e9e \ud83d\udc1d Cormier
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #9
Thanks for the comment Devesh Bhatt!
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #8
Thanks for the comment Susan Rooks! It is appreciated. You know DiSC?.... I'm a DI (very small sc)... is that good ?... hahaha
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #7
Thanks for the comment Donna Wood... that makes a lot of sense to me. Relationships are everything in business!
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #6
Thanks for the comment Paul Walters and the insight into advertising pitches....
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #5
Thanks for the comment Jos\u00e9 Ram\u00f3n \u270c\ud83c\udffc L\u00f3pez. Can I ask why neither first or last....?
Devesh 🐝 Bhatt
7 years ago #4
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
7 years ago #3
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
7 years ago #2
Paul Walters
7 years ago #1