If In Doubt, Fake It

Clare and Laurie were munching on their salads when Clare suddenly pushed away her plate. It was 1 p.m., and they were scheduled to deliver a 45-minute presentation at 4 p.m.

 

          “I don’t think I can do this,” said Clare.

 

          Laurie speared a piece of leafy green kale, pairing it with a candied pecan. He cocked his head slightly to one side and gave his colleague a smile. “What are you talking about?”

 

           “It’s too much. Until a year ago, the largest audience I’ve ever presented to was 100 people, and I knew most of them. But this is the big league, twelve hundred people from across the continent.”

 

           Laurie reached across the table and patted Clare’s arm. “You’ll be fine. Remember, this was your idea.”

 

          Clare gave a pained smile. “Yes, I thought it was a great idea at the time. But I had no concept that others would also think that.”

 

          Laurie laughed. “What did you think was going to happen?”

 

          “I thought I might be asked to present to the department.”

 

          “Would you change the presentation if you presented it locally and not at an international conference?”

 

          “Well, yes, I’d provide a local context.”

 

          “So it would be the same presentation?”

 

          “I suppose. Do you think we could cut lunch short and go over the slides one more time?”

 

          Laurie sighed. “You’ve been working on this presentation for weeks. By now, you’ve probably got it memorized.”

 

          “I like to be well-prepared.”

 

          “Well, I like to wing it. I plan to talk about situational awareness, knowing what needs to be done and when.”

 

          Clare looked across the table in alarm. “Please don’t wing it. Don’t change it now.”

 

          “I suppose not.”

 

          They walked together toward an empty room. Clare slid two copies of the presentation from a folder, giving Laurie the top copy. “Let’s review this one more time.”

 

           “I don’t think so.” Laurie shook his head and handed the copy back to Clare. “We’ve already reviewed it to death. It’s fine the way it is.”

 

          “The hospital where we conducted the research is a small one. You don’t think it’s too small?”

 

           Laurie squared his shoulders. “It’s the hospital where I work, and it’s not too small. It’s a regional hospital that provides care to several small cities.”

 

           Clare realized, too late, that she’d ruffled her colleague’s feathers. “I know it’s a very good hospital. That wasn’t what I meant. In the context of our province, it’s a good-sized community hospital with a stellar reputation. But in the context of North America as a whole, it is just one community hospital.”

 

          “Yes, and our experience is comparable to the experiences of many other community hospitals. What we learned may help them.”

 

           “Still – .”

 

           “Listen to me. You did the research. You wrote it up and presented it at the departmental meeting. You submitted it as an abstract at a provincial conference and it was accepted.”

 

          “Yes, but I didn’t think it would grow legs.”

 

          “Well, the topic is interesting.”

 

          “I know, but don’t you think it’s interesting that this international organization would hear about it and invite me to present at their annual conference? It’s really taken off.”

 

          “Clare, you are one of the most competent researchers I know. You have the gift of taking a complex concept and simplifying it. The reason I accepted your invitation to co-present is because the topic is an important one. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re fishing for a compliment.”

 

          Clare smiled self-consciously. “No, I’m very nervous.”

 

          He looked puzzled. “I cannot think of a single reason why you should be nervous. You know the material. You’re the star. I’m window dressing.”

 

           She protested. “When you agreed to present with me, I submitted both of our names. I guess we’re both stars.”

 

           “No guessing. They paid us to come here. Consider it an all-expenses paid vacation to New Orleans.”

 

          “What!” she gasped. “We’re here to talk about our research and offer suggestions on how other hospitals can apply what we learned.”

 

           “Alright, well, think of it this way. We present late this afternoon, there is a post-presentation reception, and then we’re free to do whatever we want.”

 

            He glanced at a glossy flyer. “I hear that the Marsalis brothers are playing at the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro tonight. We could head there after putting in an appearance at the reception.”

 

           Clare was incredulous. “Why are you thinking about after the presentation? Let’s get through it before we plan anything else. How can you even be thinking about jazz?”

 

           He shrugged. “When I’m operating on a patient, that’s all I think about. But on any given day, there may be departmental meetings, surgeries, and calls to make to patients’ relatives. There’s no reason why I can’t complete multiple tasks on a given day. That may even include going to a Canucks game at the end of my work day.”

 

          “I don’t know how you remain calm.”

 

          “This presentation is important, but what really sold me on it was when you told me the conference was in New Orleans. I’ll make reservations at the jazz club.”

 

           Clare’s tone was wistful. “I admire your ability to compartmentalize. You seem to have nerves of steel.”

 

           “Clare, I have a pilot’s license. I sky dive when I can. I enjoy exploring coral reefs. And I am always eager to learn about innovations in patient care.”

 

           “So you’re a risk taker. And me, I’m, what?” She sounded plaintive.

 

           “You’re a very earnest person who analyzes data for trends and patterns, who sees the importance of minute details. We both obsess, but over different things. We are both committed to excellence, but we take different paths to get there. This is why we make a good team. Don’t worry about the presentation. You’ll ace it.”