And so, 2009 draws to a close … to which many are inclined to say, ‘good riddance!’
Nonetheless, the New Year beckons. Talk about “’tis the season” … this is certainly the season of anticipation, expectations, hopes … and looking forward.
Many business leaders will use this season to make an important presentation. For most of these presenters, their primary objective is to, at the very least, “inform” key constituents of the goals and expectations for the business in 2010. As such, clarity is key.
But ideally, these presentations will do more than merely “inform.” The more effective presenter will also “persuade” his or her audience that the stated goals for the coming year are achievable! As such, clarity in and of itself is insufficient. “Credibility” becomes essential.
Which begs the question: how to present with credibility? Well, even though the focus of such presentations is, appropriately, on the year ahead, presenters would be well-advised to remember the wisdom of a simple, brilliant insight: context is everything. Meaning, the presenter who frames the coming year’s goals by referencing the prior year’s results is sure to construct a more credible, and thus, compelling argument for the expected results in 2010.