Why should we invite some collaborators to help us with a presentation or speech? The first reason is that writing a speech or preparing a presentation can be difficult and tiring. But this is not the only reason, nor the most important one. According to the presentationmagazine.com, collaborators bring the following advantages:
- You get some fresh perspective.
- Your assumptions and conclusions may be challenged and better discussed.
- Collaborative development usually leads to a better prepared presentation.
- A collaborative company culture is being fostered.
- Critical gaps in your knowledge may be bridged.
- You get an extra level of quality control, which means that you avoid any embarrassing mistakes.
How others should be involved
Don’t ask your colleagues only to check for grammatical errors in your slides. Use them rather for a rehearsal of the whole presentation. The more important the presentation, the more important is it to rehearse it in front of a live audience. A team meeting or a lunch break are excellent opportunities for such a rehearsal.
- Your presentation is tested in a safe environment
- Your colleagues are asked to give you feedback; therefore they feel valued
- Younger colleagues learn how to give and receive feedback
Whom should I involve?
Involve your colleagues, who can help you with content ideas – possibly some good metaphors, stories and case studies. They can also give you constructive feedback on your delivery. Your junior staff can challenge some of your assumptions and even some of your jargon, which may contain some impenetrable phrases. By involving them you demonstrate that collaborative problem solving is desirable in your firm. Nor should you be too shy to ask your boss for help, especially at the planning and preparation stage. The boss may well have some useful insights and knowledge to offer.
-jk-