Giving a presentation in front of corporate "big dogs," CEOs, and other decision makers is rather like stepping up to the plate for the first time in major league baseball: the stakes are higher, and the action moves at a quicker pace. Designed as a survival course to help the "little dogs" succeed in the corporate boardroom, Speaking to the Big Dogs features 17 CEOs and other corporate movers and shakers, who share their tips, techniques, and tricks to capture and hold the notoriously short attention spans of business decision makers. Executives stress that since time is essential, presenters must have the ability to quickly get to the point ("it's not a mystery story" says one), reach and support conclusions, and think on their feet. Much of the heavy lifting must be done before the pitch, and involves extensive research and fact checking. Topics covered include getting on the agenda, the need to find a sponsor, the use of anecdotes vs. data, learning to handle nerves (take a public speaking course and get over it, suggests one biggie), and the sad but frequent experience of dealing gracefully with rejection (of course, this isn't The Apprentice, and most executives really want you to succeed). Library administrators could benefit from watching this in preparation for a pitch before foundations and fundraisers. My only complaint is that the program could have included some brief examples of successful presentations; otherwise, this DVD follows its own counsel and keeps its points clear and crisply focused. Recommended for large public and academic business collections. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)
Speaking to the Big Dogs
(2004) 100 min. DVD: $239. Frederick Gilbert Associates. PPR. Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 4
Speaking to the Big Dogs
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