How not to ruin a meeting although there are too many slides
Last Friday at 8:30 am, I attended a strategic meeting in a corporation. Agenda was the analysis of different options to launch a new product. Investors, external experts and advisors as well as the management team were there. Only 1 h 30 was dedicated to the meeting as people came for free and their time schedules were tight.
The GM, who came late, started with a presentation and asked not to be interrupted, keeping the questions at the end of his 40-slide presentation. Pfff! Opposition was immediate, and aggressivity mounted in no more than 15 seconds.
I knew that all so-so slides had been printed, so I suggested that everyone take 10 minutes to read the whole set before getting started with the Q&A right after, to focus on the issues and escape the reading exercise. Frustrating for the GM, but what else could have been done?
All participants quickly agreed. The meeting was excellent and the inputs were great. This was an elegant and efficient way not to bore precious contributors and ruin the meeting.
Next time you draw up your presentation, re-read my Powerpoint guide and keep it short!
Not sure you can manage it perfectly? I'm there for help.
Nick Paulus
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