Part 4: Transitions that Cha cha real smooth - The Blueprint to Winning Shortlist Presentations
The biggest mistake I see presenters make during transitions is that they are super awkward. Even if you think you have two left feet, I promise to teach you how to “Cha-cha real smooth” through transitions.
Let’s dance through 3 types of transitions
The Baton Handoff
The Two-speaker Tango
The Silent Partner
The Baton Handoff
For more about this transition, go back and read Part 2: The Blueprint to Winning Shortlist Presentations. The previous speaker introducing the next person is an example of a baton handoff.
The Two-speaker Tango
Speakers who can relate to each other in their transition help the client follow along and relate to the team. The two-speak tango transition is when the next speaker repeats the previous speaker and ties it to their topic.
The Silent Partner
Reading team members’ cues is essential to showing your client that the group truly is the collaborative and cohesive team the proposal bragged about. Teams generally run two to three presentation rehearsals. This means they all know the flow of the presentation. They know what words cue them in that their part is next. The silent partner transition is when there is no transition. The previous speaker stops talking, and the next speaker steps up and starts talking.
Interruptions
What do you do when another speaker interrupts you? You let them have the floor. Then, when they finish their thought, you continue. Handling interruptions with poise and allowing others to contribute reflects a team's collaborative spirit. It turns potential awkwardness into an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and collective strength.
In Conclusion
Smooth transitions in a shortlist presentation are akin to a well-rehearsed dance routine. Whether it's the clarity of a baton handoff, the harmony of the two-speaker tango, or the intuition of the silent partner, your team's ability to pivot gracefully speaks to your collective expertise.
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