A Lesson from Santa Claus

He's making a list and checking twice.

That's a line from the classic Christmas carol, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." And today I learned about the value of such a list.

When I prepare for a training session, I print out a checklist of all the things I need to have ready before I leave. The list runs the gamut from the obvious (computer, projector, training material) to the not-so-obvious (hold newspaper delivery, herbal tea, paper clips). It helps me make sure I forget nothing when I leave, especially if I need to take a plane.

I started the list after forgetting to bring a projector with me on a trip. The same projector that I lost a few months later, because I forgot to bring it back with me on my trip back home. Sigh.

Anyway, a checklist is an important part of speaking. With a decent checklist, you can be sure that everything you need will be ready and available when you get to the location of your speech.

Some of the things you should include in your list are:

• Everything that has to do with a computer: the computer(!), power bars, extensions, cables to connect to a projector, a remote to control the projector or PowerPoint, a USB key with a backup of your material, etc.
• Everything that has to do with your presentation: Do you need props? Do you need markers? Do you need flip chart paper? Do you need handouts?
• Everything that has to do with you: Is your suit still at the cleaner's? Do you have business cards? Did you confirm the location for the event? Do you know how to get there?

And so on. A checklist can be a life saver. Or at the very least, it can bring your stress level down a notch or two.