Why does Pinocchio make a bad motivational coach?
Why does Pinocchio make a bad motivational coach? 
No, that is not a rhetorical question. Reflect back at some of the bad speeches and presentations you have endured. One theme should have stuck out and that is when the presenter or her style mismatches the crowd’s. Pinocchio could probably tag along with Ron White, Bill Engvall, Jeff Foxworthy, and Larry the Cable Guy. He is totally and utterly ridiculously out of place in any business setting.
Recently I attended a large public event with students and their parents in attendance. The event featured a competition and the announcer was in charge of introducing the different student groups and also directing the competition in general. She was just horribly out of place. For instance making jokes about how loud and disorganized the kids appeared to be, perhaps it was due to attention deficit disorders getting out of hand. I was mortified having to listen to it.
The take away for you and I is simply that preparing for presentations involves making sure your delivery and content is in tune with the group that will be in attendance. Otherwise you will look like Pinocchio is running your show.
Ralf
