- Why?
o Why is this skill important?
- What?
o What is the skill?
- How?
o How do you apply it?
- When?
o When do you apply it and in what order with other skills?
- Where?
o Where should it be applied?
Understanding the answers to these five questions is what helps to define methodology!
Let’s us two-finger pointing as an example:
- Why is this skill important?
o Because clear communication in demos, presentations, and whiteboarding is one key to success.
- What is the skill?
o Using two fingers to point to screen and whiteboard elements is the clearest, non-rude method of pointing. In some cultures, pointing with your index finger is considered rude. Interestingly, in some cultures, pointing with your middle finger is the typical practice, but other cultures would consider this really rude (or at least humorous!). Note that airline flight attendants use the two-finger pointing method when pointing out exits and exit paths.
- How do you apply it?
o Form your hand such that you are pointing with your index and middle fingers held together. Tap or touch the screen or whiteboard if possible for precise pointing; don’t wave vaguely towards the element. Use smooth and deliberate motions.
- When do you apply it and in what order with other skills?
o Apply it when you want to direct your audience’s attention to a particular element on the screen or whiteboard. When presenting demo screens, remember to communicate what your audience should be looking at, how it helps them solves their business problems, and the specific value associated with the change for them. Keep pointing as you provide this description.
- Where should it be applied?
o In face-to-face demos, presentations, and whiteboarding, where the room and screen are small enough for the audience to see clearly and for you to reach the full extent of the screen or whiteboard. (If either are too large, you’ll want to use a larger pointing tool – and that’s another skillset!).
You’ll find many more skills as well as complete methodologies on our website at https://GreatDemo.com – check out the Resources pages in particular!
