5/27/2008

X Factor

Whenever I attend a presentation at work, part of the fun is hearing the mind numbingly stupid questions people ask highlighting that they haven't been listening. Yes, there are stupid questions and usually, they're asked by some pretty stupid or at least inattentive people.


Often, the presenter will hand out an evaluation questionnaire at the end of the session. Today, the presenter gave them out before she'd even started. So far, your driving's excellent Miss Presenter!


My attention was drawn to the layout and wording of the evaluation. It asked questions about how relevant the information was to your job and requested that you Place a check mark (X) in the box beside your desired response.


There was a comment section as well and I couldn't resist (well, I could have) letting her know that an X is not a check mark. It was my random act of assholishness kindness for the day.

29 comments:

PJ said...

Dale 1 | Ms Presenter 0. Score!

Anonymous said...

Oh God, I hate those people who ask those questions. In less of cause I have to go to work when the trainings over. In that case ask away...

Boldly Serving Up Wheat Grass said...

Hey, it had to be said. Don't feel bad. You've helped her become a better presenter!

SkylersDad said...

My favorite presenters are the ones who read their bullet points out loud to me!

"Gosh, this sure adds a lot", I think to myself as I slowly fade off into my dream world zzzzzzzzzz

BeckEye said...

Wow, you have celebrity guest presenters at your office? I mean, that was Paula Abdule, right?

X. Dell said...

It's those checkmarks, again, impersonating me and giving me a bad name.

Fran said...

Note to self: do not find employment with Dale.

Chris the Hippie said...

Things that bug me:

People who need to put every number in their presentation two (2) times. One (1) time is enough, ya zero (0).

People who say "ATM Machine." Automatic Teller Machine Machine. Really.

Distributorcap said...

did you have to use a #2 pencil?

Writeprocrastinator said...

"letting her know that an X is not a check mark."

Uh, actually it is if you are Xorro, Zorro's lesser known and not as successful brother. Coincidentally, he helped to create Powerpoint. Thus, numbing minds all over the world.

Johnny Yen said...

Sometimes it's the little things that count.

One of the things I don't miss from leaving the teaching profession is teacher meetings. Teachers make the worst audiences-- they were the worst regarding asking questions that have been answered already.

Of course, now that I'm working as a waiter while I'm in school, I get the "stupid customer questions." An example-- a couple of weeks ago, I had a guy ask me what came with the "Corn Beef and Cabbage" dinner. In as polite a tone as I could muster, I replied "I think that's the "and cabbage" part. Like I said, sometimes it's the little things that get you through your day.

Chancelucky said...

Johnny,
I used to do workshops for teachers. They basically do all the things they complain about their students doing. It's really quite funny and New York City teachers were by far the worst.

Dale,
I'm glad you had such a thrilling day.

Anonymous said...

I usually find the evaluation the best part of the presentation. Well, that and the donuts.

Joe said...

Thank God these presenters have alert attendees like you to help them fine tune their presentations. Way to pay it forward!

Dale said...

She would have gotten top (check) marks from me if it hadn't been for that PJ.

I'm with you, meetings are an excellent way to avoid work which is something I strive to do Freelance Guru.

It's a gift I have BSUWG.

It's especially great when the points are read in perfect monotone too isn't Skyler's Dad?

If only it had been Paula, she could have reviewed herself before starting and then slurred her way through Beckeye.

Always trying to steal the brand from you aren't they X. Dell?

We'd have a blast Fran, I'm getting you an application. I'll help you with the tough parts like where to put the check marks.

Isn't is Lewis Black who did a good routine involving the ATM 'machine' Chris? Hilarious. I for one (1) agree with all two (2) of your points.

It wasn't specified DCap thankfully or I'd have been even more confounded.

Powerpoint does indeed have many powers WP - to make the user feel superior and to help insomniac captives nod off. Thank you Xorro.

Why Bernard N. Shull! I never told you about my "thing". I showed it to you and you never paid me.

I applaud you Johnny Yen on not just dumping the whole plate in his lap. Hilarious. It comes with a snide of Johnny Yen sir.

It's a thrill-a-minute (sort of like a tilt-a-whirl) around here most days Chancelucky.

If only there'd been doughnuts Suze, I might have been confused by the "O" centres and played tic tac dough all day long.

All giving, all the time, thass me Bubs.

onewaybanter said...

I try to do at least one of those deeds a day. It's for the greater good.

Mob said...

That was AWESOME, I cracked up at the idea of someone going back over these questionnaires and getting a nice little factoid that they can't even argue with.

PS: Good luck with your 'thing', I hope it nets you boatloads of money.

Eebie said...

You've got to let them know, otherwise they won't clue in. You're doing an important service to humanity. I applaud you.

Coaster Punchman said...

Ah, you illustrate why I rarely ask questions in large group settings. It's because I rarely listen.

Barbara Bruederlin said...

I hope you suggested that she would benefit from a remedial alphabet class.

Gifted Typist said...

Dale, it's those moments (the X for the check mark) that make my life worth living.

Thank you. That will keep me going for at least two days.

Dale said...

Oneway! You're back! And look at you! Welcome home you do gooder you.

Thanks Mob, me and my thing plan to be highly successful!

Thank you Eebie, you're a man of distinction.

I always do CP, in case there's a test later.

My one suggestion hopefully was enough Barbara although I shouldn't count on that should I?

Pleased to have you around for at least two more days Gifted Typist.

paperback reader said...

It's going above and beyond a check. Why don't you want to reward effort?

Anonymous said...

At least they didn't use cheque mark.

Katie Schwartz said...

When I've heard about "X" being used in a corpareena enviornment, it's always felt so very G-spotty to me. Shouldn't it be an actual check mark?!

Okay, PS: That is hands down the most boring comment I have ever left on a blog in my life. Isn't it?

katrocket said...

I've attended many presentations, but I have never been evaluated or given a questionnaire. Not once. Is it because they think I'll be the one asking the stupid questions?

Dale said...

It's pure jealousy Pistols, if only I was so talented. But I'm not.

Anonymous, thank you for spelling cheque correquetly! That's funny.

Ms. Jewgirl, never boring, always welcome. Thank you for taking time from your world conquering tour to stop in!

Are they just skipping you Katrocket or does nobody get one? We're all about continuous improvement and feedback here, makes me sick. Should I tell them?

Jill said...

Don't they know the questions have to be clear? That X affirmation must have mix up a couple of people!

Dale said...

I'm sure nobody else noticed it Jill, I'm like the best of the worst.