Group Dynamics

You’ve practiced your part.  You’ve put in the time.  You’ve taken it as far as you can go.  But what if you aren’t a solo act?  What if it’s  a group pitch? Just because you’re ready, doesn’t mean the presentation is. To take it to the next level, you’ve got to work together.  So make like a goose and create your V formation.

Wikipedia states:

The V formation possibly improves the efficiency of flying birds, particularly over long migratory routes…According to a 1970 paper, in a V formation of 25 members, each bird can achieve a reduction of induced drag and as a result increase their range by 71%. The birds flying at the tips and at the front are rotated in a timely cyclical fashion to spread flight fatigue equally among the flock members.

This, my friends, is key to great group presentation work.  Before game time, you decide who’s the lead bird and when.  You understand your roles.  You work the transitions and know when it’s time to switch off and let another voice come to the forefront.  Without coordination, the group presentation can easily devolve into a cacophonous mess, where themes get muddy, egos get bruised, and audiences check out.  Do yourself a favor:  take the time to organize your V formation at least a day or two before you get in the room. The hours spent mapping things out and doing a dry run will pay dividends when it comes time to take to the sky.