Admin Forums >> Ask An Admin >> Keeping to Time?
Keeping to Time?
2 posts back to top |
Posted about 1 month ago We've got an Event planned for next week, and I'm in the process of putting all the slides together and what have you. We have several different presentations and our timing for these is very, very tight. However, I just know that as soon as my boss starts talking, he'll go off on several different tangents and lose track!! I'm not sure how to keep him to time - any advice? |
17 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 month ago Coordinate with him. I've worked with people giving presentations before and have set up cues ahead of time to keep them on track. It can be as simple as putting a clock on the wall opposite from where they are so they can keep track, to something more high tech like putting their cell phone on vibrate and setting alarms every 5 minutes (or however long each slide takes) until the end. |
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85 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 month ago When we have an event that has multiple speakers, we designate a person to stand in the back opposite the speaker. This person does a couple of things. If we are not using a microphone, this person can let the speaker know if they need to talk louder. Also, if the speaker is talking to fast (or slow) the person can send signals to have the speaker change. In regards to timing, the signaler will let the speaker know when half the time is gone, then starting at 10 minutes left to go (or some number you choose), the signal lets speaker know that they have 10 minutes, then 5 minutes, then 2 minutes, then 1 minute. Most speakers won't finish directly on time, but it helps keep the amount of time they go over at a minimum. Also, when I receive all the presentations, I check the number of slides. A good rule of thumb is about 1-2 minutes of talking per slide. If a person has been allotted 20 minutes but has 40 slides, I send them back an email that asks them to verify that their presentation can be done in the time frame given. Some people do not actually practice their presentations aloud and therefore have no idea how long it will really take. for your boss, you could develop a signal that indicates that he is off topic. Most members of the audience are not ever aware that this coordination is going on from the back of the room. Good luck. |
79 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 month ago Tlee has it exactly. Don't rely on the speaker to be able to look at a clock or even a timer. They are concentrating on their presentation and nothing else. Have a person sitting in their line of site who can hold up a sign with allotted time remaining. Emphasis to speakers before they start that time is very tight and they must end on time. If necessary, you may have to interrupt if they are running over and ask them to e-mail the rest of their presentation to everyone later, but that you must move on. |
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2 posts back to top |
| Posted 26 days ago Thank you so much to all for your help! The event is Friday, I'll let you know how it goes!!! |
