So, HN, what are some lectures that stuck with you? Whether it’s tech, philosophy, history, or just great storytelling, I’d love to know about the ones that really resonated and why.
The idea of the (guest) speaker was that when you hold a presentation, say the most important things first.
If anyone gets up and leaves, or the presentation is cut short, you should've gotten the most possible value out if the time.
Then dig into details as the presentation progresses and answer questions or concerns right away.
Answering right away does not mean side track the whole presentation, give the major response and take details later.
I.e "TL;DR" your presentations, oral or written alike.
A simple example is: you've been given the task of estimating the cost and work involved in developing a new feature.
When you present your result, don't start by listing all the things needed to be done and all the investments needed to be bought.
Start by giving the receiver what's on her mind: what is the price, when can we deliver, how many persons do need.
Then dig into the overall details of how you ended up in that, perhaps that the tools needed to be purchased are X, Y and Z.
Then dig into why we need those tools, and so on.
If you have to interupt early, or if you have a big trust from the receiver, the main point has been delivered and the the remaining 80% of the time can be invested in more important things.
I've applied this in my life, privately and professionally, and it's been working out well. I also hope this response was a good example of what I tried to pass on.