David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) is a must-read for anyone who has that nagging feeling at the end of the workday that they forgot something. GTD is an organization system that helps you better manage your time and increase your productivity.
Are you wondering just how this is going to improve your webinars and presentations?
One of the services we offer is professional management of web seminars. As part of our service, we provide a practice session and make time for the event coordinators and panelists to rehearse.
We see two things happen –
(1) there will be one or more people who don’t make the rehearsal and
(2) those that are there are often multi-tasking and distracted.
When someone misses the rehearsal it actually impacts everyone. Beyond the last minute technology and system access questions that can add to the tension right before a live event, all the panelists miss out on reviewing the entire slide deck and hearing the other panelists key points. This helps each panelist understand how their message helps support the overall presentation message. Its also a great opportunity to practice your delivery out loud and get feedback in a safe environment.
I fully understand multi-tasking and am guilty of it myself. But when your presenting, its really important that you have a clear mind so that you bring focus to your presentation and listen to what the other presenters are saying. I often hear this referred to as staying ‘in the moment’.
The impact of multi-tasking is obvious and easy to fix, but the impact of ‘mental clutter’ is just as great. Most of us juggle hundred’s of tasks each day in our work and family life. This is where an organization system like GTD can immediately help, It prevents those random, nagging thoughts (“Did Sue send my the booked order numbers for our board meeting tonight? Did Jim get the signed P.O. from Worthington? Was I supposed to give the kids lunch money today?) from cropping up in the middle of your presentation.
I know there are many different organization methods out there, and which one is best will depend on your likes/dislikes and style of working. But whichever method you choose, work it so that you clear your mind and bring focus to your presentations.
OK, so maybe I did go a bit over the top with this posting title! But I did get you thinking.
What method do you use to stay organized and focused?
You are right, GTD can improve your effectiveness if correctly applied.
For organizing your activities like GTD recommends, you can use this web-based application:
http://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage your goals, projects and tasks, set Next Actions and Contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.