Making an impression (but not in a good way)
In February 2011 I fell off the stage while giving a presentation.
I was talking about using social media on projects to PMIās UK Chapter, giving The Presentation With The Mixed Feedback that I also delivered in Washington the year before. The event was hosted in the wonderful Thomson Reuters auditorium, although it was daunting to know that I was using the same podium as the Prime Minister, as the company hosts many important media events there as well.
The stage in the auditorium is free-standing, and it doesnāt reach back to the wall. I was too short for people to see me over the podium and my open laptop, so I stood to the side of it. That meant I couldnāt quite see my laptop screen, so every so often I took a step back to remind myself of my notes, displayed via PowerPointās Presenter Mode.
But I took one step back too many.
Time froze as I teetered on the edge, losing my balance. I like to think I descended with the grace of a gazelle. I didnāt want to land on my backside in a pile of cables, especially given that I was wearing a pencil skirt. In that split second before I went completely over, I focused on a gap in the equipment lying behind the stage, and aimed there.
āLovely venue, but thereās a big hole there,ā I quipped, as I walked up the stairs at the side of the stage to regain the podium. āOK, I was talking about the geography of your teamā¦ā
I donāt remember reading anything about how to deal with that in my favorite book about public speaking, so I just pretended everything was completely fine, while inside cringing with embarrassment.
At least they will remember me, if not what I was actually talking about. Note to self: next time, take a stool and stand still.
My most memorable presentation was to the Paris Chapter of PMI on OPM3 (Project Management Maturity Modelling, delivered in English), and at the end as I was standing at the front of the stage looking out to about 80 PM’s suddenly I started receiving catcalls and boos from the audience….
I turned around and my screen saver had kicked in, and it basically was displaying a slide show of the England Rugby team, with images from the Six Nations tournament (during which England had recently won in Paris)…… I just smiled and attempted a Gaellic shrug as I moved the mouse to stop the offending images š
Regards
David
David, I’m planning to go to Paris to visit the PMI Chapter there this year, so thanks for the tip!
Oh gosh. Hope you ego was the worst thing that got bruised! I’m always terrified I’m going to do that, haha
Hi Elizabeth
Rod Sowden, MSP Lead Author, fell off a stage at a conference once too. So you are in good company. People will remember you. Rod still gets reminded of it some 3 years lateer!
best regards
Andy
Oh no, that means people will be still talking about my descent in years to come!
Great story, and I have had a few similar mishaps.
Sounds like you recovered well, and moved on. Apart from your embarrassment, I am sure the audience didn’t mind.
Hi Elizabeth,
Great story! Certainly a memoerbale presentation for the delegates! They always say to try and make your presentation stand out, well you did!
Regards,
Ed