Two can be better than one

On the surface it would seem easier to deliver a presentation in tandem with another. After all, you're not standing at the podium all by yourself. You have a colleague to support the message and, at the very least, give you a break once in awhile.


That's not to say it's easy. In fact, a duo may require twice the preparation of a single speaker. You have to decide who's going to carry what part of the message and how you'll hand off the spotlight to each other. You have to avoid any choppiness, redundancy or unevenness.

It would be hard to imagine a better duet than the one presented recently at the City Club of Cleveland by Cokie and Steve Roberts, arguably Washington DC's pre-eminent news media couple.

Speaking about From This Day Forward, the NY Times bestseller that chronicles their experiences as an interfaith couple, each was succinct, humorous and affirming. They clearly displayed their mutual respect right up to the end when Cokie gave Steve a third signal that time was up.

With just a hint of impatience, Steve said, "I understand, Cokie," she giggled and he wrapped up his remarks.