Picture …

You’re attending a charity dinner event honoring a worthy cause because you support the fundraising mission and/or the person getting the award.

But let’s state the reality. You’ve been to a lot of these events and you hope it won’t drone on and on.

Leaving one of these programs last week I was struck by how well the event was organized.

A few details.

• Krys Boyd, host and managing editor of “Think” a KERA-FM talk show, interviewed Ken Burns, 17 Emmy Award winner American filmmaker and documentarian.
• Burns received the Hope for Humanity Award bestowed by the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
• It ended on time!

How do you know when to shut up?

Whether it’s a charity event or a single presentation, or a mid-morning break in a half-day workshop – here are 3 solutions to ending with grace and efficiency.

1️⃣  Your clock.

Do NOT rely on the clock at the venue. These clocks (even if there is one on the wall) often don’t tell good time! Or, they’re an hour off (daylight savings non-change + old clock).

Bring your retired phone or iPad (fired up). Upload the free app called “Clocks”. Click on this app and a clock shows up that will never fade away. FYI – your phone clock stays lit for just a few seconds for battery conservation.

Put this phone/iPad clock in a non-conspicuous place that you can see. This clock is your best friend when speaking. You’ll know when to skip material or stretch a module so that you can end when your allotted time is over.

2️⃣  Your accomplice.

Assign someone in the room to watch the time. Ask this person to signal you when you’ve got 10 minutes, then 5, then 1 minute remaining.

3️⃣  Your gut.

Let’s say you can end whenever you want to. After all, you’re the CEO/leader. My advice – don’t take advantage of this largesse.

Read the room. Are people getting up to go to the restroom? Are they fidgeting? Are their faces starting to look like oat meal?

Yes, yes, yes? It’s time for a break or to come to a close.

Bottom line ➜

Ken Burns and Krys Boyd nailed it. Ken’s comments were succinct and Krys stopped at 9pm sharp.

No one complains if you end 5 minutes early. Everyone goes crazy if you end 5 minutes late. Watch your clock and read the room.

© 2024 Karen Cortell Reisman, Speak For Yourself® CEO. All rights reserved.