This is the first time I have ever disagreed with anything that my mentor at Speechworks has to say. But disagree I must,but only when it comes to my particiular audience.

in his latest post, Joey Asher talks about the perils of talking with a CEO and how important it is to brief. And on that point we are in total agreement.

But here's where I have to take exception :

 " Everyone wants short presentations.CEOs are the only ones who have the authority and the willingness to enforce the time limitations.
Next time you have to give a speech, try cutting the entire thing in half. I’ll bet no one will complain." 

I spend much of my year making presentations to CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) and they will complain violently if you finish your presentation early. 

They will also complain if you go long. But finishing early is a Cardinal Sin (that's bad, for you non-Catholics) if you are speaking at an event that provides CPE (Continuing Professional Education) to session attendees. Session timing is almost as important as the logical flow of the material and having handouts that perfectly match the slides on the screen. 

It is one of the hardest parts of being a presenter for this audience. There are very rigid rules of delivery and timing that you must follow. I have seen great presenters who go out of order get lower scores than lousy presenters who follow their slides. It drives me crazy but it's true. It is part of knowing what matters to your audience.

But if you are presenting to a group of salespeople or business owners, Joey is exactly right. And if you are the last presenter before a meal or the bar opening, make it even shorter. But don't mess with those CPE hours. I bet Joey has the same problem when he presents to his lawyer friends who need CLE. 

 
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