Planned Spontaneity

Excellence in Action.

In February 2016, I had the chance to moderate a panel of professionals at a career development day hosted by my professional association.

Fuelled by their passion to ensure the session would be highly-value-added, the host event team put together a very comprehensive list of topics and related questions. The list was then provided to each of the panellists in advance, so they could mull their ideas and mentally prepare.

As one might expect, the panel discussion itself did follow the overall topic agenda, but in a slightly different order.

The questions, however, were more fluid. While similar to the advance-provided list, they naturally flowed and evolved in tandem with the discussion and they included input from the audience, too. And, as would happen in any conversational-style setting, the answers from any one of the speakers often led to further exploration or elaboration by another and/or prompted additional questions, thus enriching the overall experience and contribution.

The panellists shone.

They were spontaneous. Engaging. Helpful. Knowledgeable. Professional. All the while, adding significant value!

They exemplified poise, confidence, caring and substance as they demonstrated what a polished Q & A (Question and Answer) session ought to look like.

A 'Fishbowl' Experience.

If you've ever been in the limelight, you know all too well the pressure one can feel when you realize that you, your reputation, and your experience are all being 'tested'. It's a true 'fishbowl' experience. 

It occurs any time we're called to publicly lead a meeting or forum and/or to speak or contribute in front of others. But our skills are never more tested than when that presentation -- especially if somewhat formal -- is impromptu and public, like the formal Q & A.

It's the quintessential impromptu speaking challenge, requiring you to gather and present your thoughts -- on the spot -- and in a way that not only addresses the issue at hand, but also, ideally, will edify your authority and further build the trust, respect and confidence others have in you.

It's really planned spontaneity. Which means, having the preparation and reserve power to be your absolute best and spontaneous, in impromptu situations. Especially, when the spotlight is on!

Planned Spontaneity.

The following infographic provides an overview of what it takes to prepare well for the spontaneous presentation situation. It applies directly to Q & A but it's actually relevant any time you need to be ready to speak impromptu. The speakers at the above session, all experienced professionals, exemplified what it takes to be polished. They didn't need or have this infographic, but they surely demonstrated the practices it highlights!

Their example prompted me to share this with you, so you too can prepare to be spontaneous, when the need arises and you wish to shine.  Enjoy the intro video, followed by the Road to Q & A Success infographic.

Planned Spontaneity.

Your opportunity to shine, contribute and make a difference! 

Speaking is an important skill in the required skill set of leadership. To explore what else makes up the leadership portfolio; where you're at; or, what would be worthwhile for you to develop or further hone, I invite you to look into the Leader Guide e-book: "The Leader's Competency Map - Complete Guide to Leadership Performance Development". It includes a comprehensive, multi-layered leader's competency map, complete with detailed self-assessment questionnaire, so you can create your own, tailored, high performance, personal leadership development path.

Or, for a more hands-on, guided experience, discover the online program: CHART YOUR COURSE. It's a video-based deeper dive, facilitated exploration of the Competency Map Leader Guide. 

The 'Anew Centre' and 'Blog' tabs (top and bottom of this page) are your gateway to more resources and to the Think Anew! Series community -- thinkers and do-ers, like you, who are making a difference in the world.

Will you share? What are your thoughts on what it takes to plan and prepare to be spontaneous? Did I miss anything? What have you discovered it takes to be effective? 

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