One of the biggest movies in recent memory has been The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It is the story of a little boy who is born with the body of an old man. For the rest of the film he ages backwards, getting younger as the rest of the cast ages. Of course this makes it tough on his love life, and his relationship with his loving step-mom, but time reversal also has its benefits.
The movie even has a few great tips for your next presentation!
Don’t Miss an Opportunity
As you might imagine, Benjamin Button has a bit of a tough time making his way through things. He is an 80 year old man when he meets the 7 year old love of his life. He gets his first job when he’s about 70 and by the time he begins to forget things he’s only about 8. Despite the awkwardness, Button is optimistic and he makes the most of his chances along the way. Just like Button, you have to make sure that you don’t drop the ball when it comes to maximizing all of the opportunities that your presentation offers. Be prepared for a thorough Q&A. Have plenty of information to share. Take the time to work the room before you speak. Share your presentation as a video or slide show with the rest of the world!
Finish Strong
Obviously, there are certain disadvantages to being born with the body of an old man. However, for Benjamin Button, it’s not the beginnings that count, its about finishing strong. Although his own parents abandon the disfigured infant the night he’s born, Button rallies back, travels the world, becomes a millionaire and gets to fall in love with Cate Blanchett. How’s that for a comeback? Although its important for your presentation to be strong throughout, the ending is crucial. A great ending can put the the cap on a knockout presentation. It can even transform a so-so PowerPoint lecture into one that they’ll remember.
Be Yourself
Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking: It’s not that hard to be a horrible, mutant, old-man-baby when you grow up to be Brad Pitt! Although there is some truth to this idea, the real lesson of the film is that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that it’s up to us to make the most of the former while minimizing the latter. The same goes for being a great presenter. You don’t have to be a movie star to capture your audience’s attention and get you message across. You just have to be the best YOU you can be.
Find Your Audience
One of Benjamin Button’s most daunting challenges – besides trying to have a decent love life – is making friends. People like Benjamin, but he doesn’t have any real peers because he’s not even remotely like anyone else. Lucky for you – we can assume – you’re normal. Although most certainly above average in every way, you are a person who regularly relates to other people in your life. You share their interests and concerns. This kind of basic capacity for connection is all that is really required to link up with your audience. Be open and be yourself. You’re an interesting, funny, energetic expert that these people are going out of their way to listen to. Believe me, compared to Button, you’ve got it easy!
