Helen is practicing her presentation in front of Arthur.
H: Remember, at our company, what we value is efficiency. We promise you won’t be disappointed with our products.
A: Not bad. Your speaking is clear, but you got off track a few times in the first five minutes.
H: Yeah, I had to keep peeking at my notes to get back on topic.
A: I noticed that. But if you practice a few more times, that won’t be a problem.
H: Do you think I explained the product features clearly?
A: Yes, you made them easy to understand. But, there was another problem.
H: Let me guess. It was boring, wasn’t it?
A: Honestly, yes. You obviously know a lot about the topic, but you didn’t seem very interested in what you were saying.
H: Should I add more pictures to the slides? Or make some jokes or something?
A: No, no. Just smile a little bit more. People will focus more if you seem happy to be sharing this infowith them.
H: That makes sense, but I’m still feeling on edge about it.
A: You’re off to a great start. You’ll do fine.
A: Hey, that’s what team members do—help each other out.
H: I’ll work on a draftof my presentation. Can I practice with you once or twice before the big day?
A: Of course! Let’s reserve a meeting room for later this week.
H: Thanks. I’ll start making some notes to present during my talk.
A: Hey, Helen, why the long face?
H: The manager just told me I have to give a presentation at the conferencenext week.
A: That’s great! It will give you a chance to advanceyour public speaking skills. You should be bouncing off the wallswith joy!
H: I’m still nervous, though. Plus, I’ve already got tons ofother stuffto do for the conference. I really wish they would assignsomeone else to do the presentation.
A: Don’t worry. You’ve got enough time to prepare. I will help you with the other work and coach you on your presentation in the meantime.
H: Really? Well, if you deal withthe conference materials, I may be able to pull offthe presentation.
A: Hey, that’s what team members do—help each other out.
H: I’ll work on a draftof my presentation. Can I practice with you once or twice before the big day?
A: Of course! Let’s reservea meeting room for later this week.
H: Thanks. I’ll start making some notesto present during my talk.
