Adding or distracting?

No one called and made me the all knowing. But nonetheless, I feel the need to remark about a presentation because there is something to learn. Or at least to ponder.  Here’s my dilemma.  I’m not sure if I am going to assume the role of Simon Cowl or Paula Abdul.

There’s a fine line between being entertaining and hokey.  How do you know which side of the line you fall on?

I don’t have the answer to that one myself.

I attended a luncheon presentation (which is a nightmare for any presenter- you have to talk over forks and the passing of salt shakers, etc.) The speaker employed a number of devices to get the group’s attention. She used images plus sound effects – which at one point included drum rolls for joke setups, later there were sounds of various pieces of office equipment, she had an animatronic slide featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger with recorded dialogue, she used props, and even sang songs (nice voice). All of this was done in an effort to make her point.

I’m torn as to whether these devices were effective or distracting. I got the sense that a couple of other attendees felt the same way.

What do you think? What separates entertaining, fun, and different from a Vaudeville act?

I applaud her enthusiasm, her timing, her planning and preparation, her technology, and her rehearsal. For the conversation with the recorded figure she had to have perfect timing  -she bantered back and forth with a number of questions and answers. That wasn’t ad-libbed. And then she danced and sang. There is real courage in putting yourself out there and she did that. Kudos and much applause for daring to be different.

I’m just not sure that I came away from the presentation convinced about the depth of her expertise in the subject matter.

Or maybe I’m just an old nerd who needs to get over herself. What do I know anyway, Dog?