Teammates, our best and inspired work is all for nothing if we fail to execute the basic tasks that ensure audiences will receive the message.
Remember how we said you can’t communicate effectively if you sound lame? You’re not doing any better if you sound like nothing at all.
Very recently, a group of influential community leaders who support our military visited our organization.
Since Everyone is a VIP, our top leaders spent time personally thanking them for their support, in a nice spot outside our headquarters.
Mistake 1: It was right around the end of the work day, so motorcycles and huge trucks motored by throughout the commander’s heartfelt remarks. The crowd struggled to hear anything.
It doesn’t matter what you say if you’re overpowered by rumbling trucks. Just block off that road for 10 minutes.
… after that disappointing engagement, we brought our guests inside to watch a video. Our office has a kickass video team; they tell sweet, complete stories aligned with our forever lines and in support of our organization’s aspirational culture. They are a great way to lead into a discussion with visitors.
Mistake 2: The tech dudes didn’t test the video beforehand, and the volume was stupidly low … and couldn’t be fixed in the moment.
Our guests spent five minutes wondering about our lack of preparation and inability to work our systems … rather than focusing on our messages and professionalism.
Never waste an opportunity to be loud, and be heard.
(Photo by Terrance Bell, DVIDS)
