The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

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Share the Stage

Audiences fi nd monologues boring. Thanks to advances

in entertainment, they’ve become accustomed to quick

action, rapid scene changes, intense visual stimulation,

and soundtracks that make the heart race. They’re no

longer willing to sit attentively for an hour while a single

speaker drones on.

The key to getting and holding their attention is hav-

ing new things continually happen. You can do that by:

• Bringing in other presenters: Invite others to

join you on the stage or by video. Consider which

experts or analysts in your organization or indus-

try would add meat and credibility to your pre-

sentation. And look for ways your team members

can play to their strengths. If your colleague Sam

is quick on his feet, for example, ...