[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay]
Everything changes…what about you?
Recently I learned about AQ, known as Adaptability Quotient by author Natalie Fratto, a venture investor. Ms. Fratto referred to the importance of AQ, particularly in the interview process. She goes on to discuss how quickly our world is changing and that AQ measures how well we adapt to the inevitability of change. In fact, Ms. Fratto states that adaptability is a form of intelligence that can be tested and improved. She recommends these three tricks: asking “what if” questions rather that focusing on the past, being able to “unlearn” something, and the ability to “infuse exploration” into life and business.
Her insightful TED talk made me think about presenters, since my business focuses on assisting businesspeople sound their best. Being adaptable is a necessity for any speaker so ask yourself the following ten questions starting with what would you do if:
- You ran into a traffic delay and it was causing you to be late for your presentation?
- You had a loud or noisy speaker next to your room that was interfering with your talk?
- You had a compatibility issue with your PowerPoint slides?
- Your name was mispronounced by the person introducing you?
- Your virtual presentation had a few technological snags?
- You realized your presentation was running long and would go over the allotted time?
- You were asked a question for which you had no answer?
- You were being heckled by a member of your audience?
- Your audience seemed bored and non-participative?
- Your notes got out of order?
Any of these problems or others may occur whether you’re conducting an in-person, virtual or hybrid presentation. The sign of a truly skilled presenter is knowing how to handle each of these concerns and being adaptable. There is no such thing as a perfect presentation or being a perfect presenter, so don’t waste your time trying to figure out what to do to ensure perfection. Instead, I suggest developing
AQ, which will serve you and your audience well.
Remember the “what ifs” and you’ll be far better prepared if and when the what ifs become a reality. If they don’t come up… well then consider yourself lucky but know that any of these issues can arise at any point. Thinking them through in advance is beneficial. You may even want to jot down notes to yourself to help you remember them so they can easily be recalled.