The meeting stomping story of Caren-zilla
Michael had an interesting conversation with a work mate called Caren one afternoon. She made a statement to him about how difficult she felt public speaking was. She then tells him of the problems she has whenever she needs to give a presentation to a meeting."I hate it. I always seem to mess up whatever I'm doing as well. Not just the presentation, but three or four days before I start getting stressed, and all my work goes downhill."
"That's too bad. It must be hard when everyone is looking at you expecting your best." Michael responds and she nods, fear creeping into her face. Michael then changes his tone dramatically, "Maybe next time you can be like Godzilla! You know, destroying Tokyo, scaring all the locals."
Her eyes light up and her face changes she imagines the possibilities. "Next time," Michael says, "walk into the meeting as if you were 100 feet tall. Look at the attendees as caviar carefully placed around the table."
"I love that idea!" she exclaims.
The topic of conversation is quickly changed to something different. They do not speak of her old problem again. Several days later she thanks Michael, telling him her last presentation went well ... Change can be that easy. In this case, Michael said the exact right thing at the exact right time.