Piracy Doesn’t Pay – Unless You are Jack Sparrow

Well it might in the short term, but big tech business is out to change that - starting with Microsoft Canada.

That's right! Microsoft Canada and Symantec join forces to protect end users from illegally installed software by taking 6 resellers to court over the case of illegally loading Microsoft and Symantec software onto PC's for sale.

And the verdict is: GUILTY
http://www.microsoft.com/canada/media/releases/2006_02_01.mspx


60 days in jail and a fine in excess of $100,000 was sentencing. This is an interesting look at just one of the 6 cases going on in the court system since late last fall.

When Things Go Wrong…

As they often do, things may go wrong when you are presenting information to an audience.

I doubt there is anyone out there that can say everything has always gone 100% as planned, and if they can say that, I'd love to have even a tiny piece of their golden horseshoe!

The thing about disasters is, they can't be planned for and that's why it is a disaster...but a few little tricks can help you get over small hurdles that COULD become potential disasters.

If you are presenting a speech:

• have cue cards, you may never need them, but just in case, they are great to help you through - if not cue cards, a piece of paper with your main points will help jog your memory.
  

If you are using electronic equipment:

• remember to check it prior to your presentation
  
• carry a spare lightbulb
  
• carry a spare extension cord
  
• have a paper copy of your presentation in the event the equipment fails
  

General Tips:

• if something does go wrong, don't stop to fiddle with it for more than ONE MINUTE
  
• appologize once and keep it brief example: "I'm sorry for the interruption, it's only momentary, let's continue."
  
• thank your audience for thier patience when malfunction is rectified
  
• if possible and time permits have a quick break - say something like "this is a great opportunity to network and stretch - please give yourself a five minute break and we'll jump right back into this"
  
• Keep Calm
  

The biggest tip I can give you is to keep calm and don't sweat it, one day you may even laugh about it - like on the way home or when you share your day with a loved one. Things sometimes happen that are beyond our control, how you deal with them is what will set you apart from other presenters.