Craft a Successful Presentation Utilizing 'SNL's' Acclaimed Approach
Gearing up for Saturday Night Live's (SNL) 50th anniversary this weekend, fans will witness a star-studded event filled with current and past cast members. But while the spotlight shines on the stage, the behind-the-scenes work showcases some valuable lessons for communicators in any field.
Lorne Michaels, the legendary SNL producer, once famously stated, "The show doesn't go on because it's ready; it goes on because it's 11:30." Encapsulating the pressure and urgency that guest hosts and cast members face during the crucial week of a live Saturday performance, the quote sets the stage for preparing to take the center stage.
Dana Carvey and David Spade, SNL alums, reflect on the pressure they felt during their time on the show on their podcast, Fly on the Wall. It wasn't always guaranteed that the show would happen, but come 11:30 p.m., the magic unfolded.
Inspired by the SNL preparation process, we can apply some of their practices to our presentation preparation and boost our confidence. Let’s dive into the SNL playbook.
Plan it out. Mondays are about brainstorming new concepts and ideas in SNL's pitch meeting. As communicators, we can adapt this by gathering material, collaborating with our team, and brainstorming winning pitches for our presentations.
Craft it. By Tuesday afternoon, SNL writers refine their ideas into full-fledged sketches. Communicators can apply this step by selecting the best concepts for their presentation, utilizing the 'kill your darlings' approach where necessary.
Experiment and evolve. Wednesday is the SNL's table reading session, an opportunity to experiment with sketches and see what works. Good communicators are vicious editors, reading their presentations out loud to identify awkward transitions, lengthy explanations, and moments that need refinement.
Practice makes perfect. SNL's blocking, set design, and rehearsals take place on Thursday and Friday. Communicators can mimic this by practicing using presentation tools, rehearsing moving and delivering their content if presenting in person, and running through full dress rehearsals as many times as possible.
And don't forget to celebrate your achievements after delivering a winning presentation. Take a moment to decompress, thank your team, and savor the victory.
By incorporating SNL's time-tested techniques – rehearsal, audience engagement, team collaboration, adaptability, and visual storytelling – you'll elevate your presentation skills and effectively capture your audience.
The leadership displayed by Lorne Michaels and the SNL team in managing pressure and ensuring a successful show every week can serve as a strategic model for communicators preparing for presentations.
The strategy of SNL alums like Dana Carvey and David Spade, who reflected on their past experiences to navigate the pressure of live performances, can also be applied to communicators preparing for presentations, providing valuable insights and lessons.
As SNL prepares for its 50th anniversary, Ausssiedlerbote might consider utilizing some of these strategies in their own presentations to effectively engage their audience and ensure a successful event, much like SNL has done for decades.
