short term realism

Do you remember hearing this song in ‘Annie’ without the probably?

It is optimistic to believe that the sun will come out tomorrow but it may not be where you are.  If you are in space, the sun won’t come out tomorrow. Optimism has its place. So does reality. Sometimes optimism is a rejection of what is happening or has happened. It can be a bit out of touch. Reality can bite hard especially if you refuse to accept it. Ignoring a barking dog won’t make it bark less.

For example, as a speaking coaching and speaker, I always have a back up plan in case anything goes wrong. Usually, nothing goes wrong but sometimes it does. I have had equipment fail, software refuse to work, the microphone crackle, the lights go off and had my passport rejected at the airport. More recently, I had a full water jug spilt on my laptop ten minutes before starting a training session. All reality.

Chesley Sullenberg, the pilot who landed the commercial airlines in the Hudson River without loss of life, says he operates on short term realism and long term optimism. Nice combination. Assume a good outcome but accept whatever happens. Don’t catastrophise. Just accept and take action. No hissy fits. Just action. If this sounds like abnormal behaviour, become abnormal as quickly as you can.

A good application of this philosophy is Public Speaking. Imagine thinking that everything will be fine without preparing or having a Plan B. You are asked to give a talk. You have done it before. No need to prepare or tailor for a new audience. Nothing will go wrong. Hope you are right. Hope Bad Luck doesn’t rain on your optimism.

Sure, have long term optimism. Imagine the presentation going well but don’t spend valuable preparation time hoping that it all goes well. Spend your present time on short term realism. Plan, prepare, learn about your audience, clarify your purpose, explore the venue, test the equipment, arrive early, listen to the speaker before you, have a Plan B in case anything or everything goes wrong. I remember an occasion when the lights went out in a large auditorium and another when I introduced a speaker who hadn’t arrived. Create your own pictures. Take topical photos and use them in your presentation. Do this well in advance.

So if you want help with an upcoming presentation, give me a call. I am coaching individuals who are preparing for important presentations and want to improve their Public Speaking. Their jobs require this skill. They want to Influence others and improve their Selling Skills. All can be done better in front of an audience because of the potential abundant energy in the room.

Don’t delay in developing your Presentation Skills. Start now. Contact me.

Paddy Spruce
03 9808 8990
paddy@paddyspruce.com.au