Being the third speaker to a group at work, I could see that the crowd’s attention was fading.  I knew I had to jazz up my presentation and fast.

I dug down deep and referenced an old story that a former boss of mine once told.  For the sake of your attention, I’ll just provide you with the punchline, “Admiral, we’re a lighthouse.”  As I delivered the punchline in a deadpan voice, there was a delay, then laughter.  Beautiful laughter.  I was doing well.

So well, that when I saw an opportunity for another joke, I embraced the moment.  For the sake of your attention, I will once again only provide you with the punchline, “I would advise against putting them on your salad.”  They weren’t expecting it and bam!  There was the second joke!  Surprise!  Perfectly delivered, the delay, then the laughter.  I was on fire!

I was doing so well that when I saw another opportunity, I took it.  It wasn’t the best bridge, the joke was delivered choppy, the person it was directed at did not smile, and the punchline was lame, “…and not many of them drive cars.”  Dead silence.  Fail.  Epic fail.  Overreach.  Epic overreach.

Let my story be a reminder, a tale of caution, a path to avoid.  When all is going well, when you have them eating out of the palm of your hand, resist the temptation.  Do the hard thing and walk away.  Always leave them wanting more.