The British novelist, Zadie Smith, has established an extraordinary career at 36 that any lover of literature would envy. She’s written four novels, all of which have received substantial critical praise. She’s received numerous awards for her writing, including the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2006. Currently, Smith is a tenured professor at New York University’s Creative Writing Program. Much can be learned about storytelling from this outstanding contemporary writer– practical lessons that we can apply to the stories we tell in our presentations.
“Avoid your weaknesses. But do this without telling yourself that the things you can’t do aren’t worth doing. Don’t mask self-doubt with contempt.”
This is poignant advice for the presenter. Avoid what you’re not good at and what you’re not comfortable doing, but don’t tell yourself those things aren’t worth doing because you can’t do them. A lot of this can be achieved by maintaining a high level of empathy toward your audience. Put yourself in their shoes; try to see everything through their eyes. Keep in mind that your weaknesses may be their strengths. Don’t deride or mock something you don’t know or understand. That’s an easy way to alienate your audience.
“When an adult, try to read your own work as a stranger would read it, or even better, as an enemy would.”
People are naturally critical and opinionated. Your audience is sitting through your presentation with that kind of critical eye, so try to see your presentation through their eyes. Run through your deck with a pen in hand and in your enemy’s mindset. What tiny things would they point out? What parts of the presentation would they flag as problematic? Where would they find mistakes? It’s all well and good to have a friend or coworker look over your presentation, but they like you, so they’re biased and thus, they might miss crucial mistakes. Change your mindset to uncover the hidden problems.
“Work on a computer that is disconnected from the Internet.”
We really like the practicality of this bit of advice. The Internet is a procrastinator’s worst nightmare. It’s basically a wellspring of distraction, ready at every turn with something to take your mind away from the task at hand. But you have the power to end the distraction! Turn off the Internet! It’s possible, we assure you. Do all the necessary Googling before you start putting your presentation together, and then remove yourself from the tempting Interwebs. Work independent of the constant flow of distracting, irrelevant information. Your presentation will be better off for it.
