Tips on Public Speaking: Cheat Clock

I don't know if I come up with my own words but I am definitely creating my own lexicon of language for presentations and public speaking…

What the heck is a “cheat clock?” In this edition of Tips on Public Speaking I address a point I made in another post about going over time. I think this small investment will make the difference in your next presentation.

A few years ago, I had a plum speaking opportunity. I was invited to take my message and fly west for five hours to the beautiful island cluster known as Hawaii. I was invited to speak to a gathering of CEOs who wanted to learn the finer points of communication skills and public speaking. This was a great experience for all -- for the CEOs and myself. While they learned how to craft and create their core message… I learned a valuable lesson on the topic of timing… or better yet -- finishing on time!

At this prestigious gathering of business leaders – my host informed me the day before the event that my presentation for the first day had to be done by 2:15PM in the afternoon. I was perplexed. I have never had a finish time of such precision but what an odd time to end. It was a good thing I asked “Why?” My gracious host informed me there was a social event at the hotel's bar at 2:30 and they did not want to miss out on the festivities. I am old school -- whatever the client wants, the client gets!

I went to the meeting room that was going to house these business leaders and myself for the weekend. After checking out all that I needed, I doubled back to make sure there was a clock in the room. To my surprise -- no clock! How was I going to time myself so that I would not only deliver the precious content but also make sure I finish on time… in particular the first day so that my clients would be able to make their social gathering. I did not want any CEO to miss any bar time!

I went on a search for a “cheat clock.” I found it in the souvenir shop: a small, compact, foldable travel clock. This was going to work perfectly.

With my new-found purchase, I placed my cheat clock right next to my laptop, which acts as my cue-monitor for my PowerPoint. So anytime I check my monitor, I gave a quick “cheat” to my clock and I knew the exact time. This worked like a charm for the last seven years.

Oh… and the CEOs? Well, not only did they make their party… but I was invited back again to Waikiki the following year. Not bad for a $10 investment.

Do you have a cheat clock? How do you track time? I would love to know. Leave a comment below.

Grazie, Maurice