Go out of your way, always
"Making It"
 Knowledge, Wisdom, and Guidance for The Talented
by
David Hamilton

"The best way to create buzz about oneself is to posses genuine talent presented in an original fashion"
                                                                                                                                                         Jimmy Steal

 Presentations
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I know that every form of artistic talent is different when it comes to a presentation. As you are embarking on becoming a better artist, you probably have a strong idea as to how a presentation in your field already looks. For instance, my radio presentation is located here http://www.ezstreetrecords.com/airchecks/EzFolder/ezstreet.htm

Besides my look and a few graphics, I got straight to the point of my presentation ( Objective ) as to what I wanted, or simply the ( WHAT ), but the most important aspect to gaining that 1st impression is going to come from a verbal or physical side of what it is you do. I am not saying this is criteria that will determine a final decision. Let's use radio as an example since I have been through this process a few times. In radio you will be hired based on your sound, then your past, ability, punctuality, attitude, history in the business, etc........ There have been many discussions about what is important to a Program Director in Television / Radio about how they hire. close to 80% of the Program Directors that have written in responses as to how they hire say that they will listen or watch for someone's ability ( IE TV Programmers who will watch a demo ) and if they like your delivery or pitch you submitted, then it is the backround material that is looked at next. 

" If I have three people to choose from as I make my final decision as to who I want to hire for a position:

A: an excellent sounding talent that has incredible potential, lacks the ability to be a team player in past jobs, and submits material that isn't 100% striking as to who they are..... 

B: a young up and coming talent that sounds good, has hunger to be a better talent, has team player mentality, and submits a presentation that says, " I WANT THIS JOB AND I AM WILLING TO PROVE MYSELF "

I will go with B. because this person has the ability to ( get along ) with others, work as a team member, and eventually B. will have the experience that A. has just by being hungry to learn, and hopefully I will have trained B. and given B. enough time and training to be just as solid of a talent as A.

This is just a one case scenerio, there are probably 100 other elements involved including the job, it's title, and it's demand for experienced talent, however, the message is universal; Present yourself completely.

It is so important when you present yourself to make your  ( WHAT ) statement clear from the beginning. Don't make your audience wait for the ( WHAT ) until you get to the point in your presentation, instead, give it to them first. The purpose is to grab someone's attention first and then spend the rest of your presentation relating to what you have to offer. The reason for this is because people in general get very impatient quickly. People will get turned off if they don't get useful information right away. This is most important when you are making a presentation to upper management, because their time is so narrow.

As a general rule of thumb, the higher you go in the organizational ladder, the shorter your presentation should be. Use this rule in any form of presentation you have to put together, and your point will be made faster, better, and your timing will be enhanced. 

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David Hamilton
contact information
www.ezstreetrecords.com/address.htm