¶ … Operations at Lowes Ethics

Accompanying Paper to Presentation about Operations at Lowes

Accompanying Paper to Presentation about Operations at Lowes

The audience for this presentation has some interest and knowledge regarding business operations. This presentation may additionally be appropriate for those who have some introductory to moderate professional experience in the field of business operations. The information presented aims to walk the delicate balance of providing enough base information for a person who no or only superficial knowledge of the topic, while not insulting the intelligence of those in the audience who have background and experience in the field. The presentation will be given in an academic context; therefore, it is also directed for an audience of college/university students and relevant faculty. The presentation is intended for those with a fair knowledge base of the information and topic, who may be interested in continuing the discussion of business operations, Lowes the company, and business operations at that company (or similar ones) in the present in the future. The intended audience is that with interest and background in the utility and history of business operations.

I debated the use of the Lessig presentation style and the Hardt presentation style. Both are appealing to me and the presentation is a reflection of combining some more of the compatible aspects. From Lessig, I took that some slides should be very simple. Some slides should only have one word or just a few words. As an audience member myself, I do not like presentations where there are too many words on screen, as well as when the presenters read what is on screen to the audience. I believe that the best presentations are stimulating for the audience and provide contrast. The speaker notes should accompany the content on the slides; it should not mirror it exactly. Also, by limiting the content on screen, this puts more of the responsibility of presentation on me, the speaker/presenter, rather than relying heavily upon the presentation...

This assists and contributes to my development as a presenter as within most professional positions, either as part of the job, or as part of the process to acquire the job, I will be required to make numerous presentations. The Lessig style contributes directly to my development as a versatile presenter.
The Hardt presentation is also very appealing and useful. I appreciate how he developed a style with numerous slides and the synergy between the speaker and the presentation content is phenomenal -- almost perfect. I like the idea of keeping the presentation moving and keeping the attention of the audience members with contrasting content (between what is spoken and content of the presentation). This style creates conditions for the audience member to take responsibility in its participation in the presentation. The audience is just as much a part of the presentation as the presenter and the presentation materials. This style invites them to keep up and stay alert. It gives the presenter a chance to move through a lot of content, presenting quickly, not necessarily at a pace that is good for retention, but rather is good for conjuring interest for further research, discussion, etc.

Both styles are strong and both styles are worthwhile to practice presentation skills. The presentation style for Business Operations at Lowes is a reflection of elements from both styles, for an engaging, informative, and entertaining presentation that sets a stage for participation and responsibility.

In reference to materials from the course, this presentation is particularly influence by Nancy Duarte. I have watched her videos on Ted and Youtube, as well as read as much as I can locate about her work with respect to presentations. Her five rules for presentations are: treat your audience as king; spread ideas & move people; help them see what you're saying; practice design, not decoration; and cultivate healthy relationships with your slides and your audience. These rules are simple, straight forward, and deep. The audience must always…