What I learned about impromptu speech at a wine bistro

I’m blogging now from a women’s ladies luncheon at Zola’s Wine and Kitchen. It’s an eye opening discussion about sustainable food and cooking – and embracing a farmer’s market, fresh food mentality. Welcoming remarks were made by award winning chef Barton Seaver (side note: I’m learning a heck of a lot!).

What stands out about the talk’s style is how Amy Senger, founder of 1×57 and leader of our discussion, just admitted she completely changed her presentation 30 minutes ago before this event started.

A behind-the-scenes decision:
Amy said she had a highly structured slide deck ready to present yet re-considered that approach after conferring with a friend. Since the luncheon and audience are based in a more intimate setting, she decided to ditch the slide deck and engage in an interview dynamic and Q&A. The event’s host and A Clean Life founder Steven Mandzik facilitated the casual interview, creating an impromptu yet natural presence.

Amy has a personal, compelling story to relay so I’m grateful she chose to conversationally relate in this type of event vs direct attention to visuals.

Even though the audience could have engaged for a longer time with their questions, the audience is certainly included in this conversation and Amy’s experience.

I admire her for looking clearly at the audience-speaker dynamic and making adjustments to cultivate a more interactive exchange.

Posted via email from jillfoster’s posterous