Van Gogh: [van goh] A perfect presentation or masterpiece, particularly one with universal appeal; a succession of slides that inspires, uplifts, and advances humanity.
You know when your presentation is a Van Gogh: maids, janitors, and facility employees line the back wall of the room, misty eyed. A canvas sheet has to be pulled off the projection screen. Bidding placards are flying up in a frenzy during the presentation: $100,000! Do I hear $150,000? Your quota for a 30% increase over last year’s sales is met with the sale of the presentation about your quota for a 30% increase over last year’s sales.
There is some debate as to whether a Van Gogh presentation is any more effective than a regular presentation. Recent studies show that 93% of presenters giving Van Gogh presentations were carried off stage at the end on the shoulders of exultant audience members. The other 7% reported a fear of heights and warded off the advancing multitudes. 76% received raises immediately after their Van Gogh, while the other 24% received only bonuses. The research is clear: if you like money, you should be presenting Van Goghs.
Of course, everyone wants to present Van Goghs. But not everyone is willing to endure the absinthe stupors, mental illnesses, prison terms, self-inflicted otectomies and untimely death that are part and parcel of the artistic process. That is why it is always better to pay someone for a Van Gogh presentation rather than attempt one yourself.
The Takeaway: Only this: the student has become the teacher. Use your powers for good, not for evil.
