10

You step up to the podium, momentarily envious of Winston's inability to see the crowd before you. As the applause dies down, you clear your throat, and begin your speech.

"Good afternoon, and thank you all for coming here today."

My colleague Mr. Q has already talked about a company in crisis. This is true. My own belief is that when challenges come, the best approach is to play to your strengths, and this goes for people and for corporations. MetaHuman is an old company. We know what we're good at. We have problems at the moment, yes. But we've had problems in the past as well, and we've always come through by playing to our strengths. Let me be clear: I do not intend to change this company's strategy and methodology just because of some panicky, overexaggerated press reports of our imminent demise."

The response to your announcement is fairly muted. But then, your approach, while valid, is hardly original. You wonder if you might be able to make your announcement stand out a little more, in the hope of receiving a better response.

You pause a moment, to allow your words to sink in. At least nobody seems overtly negative. Then you go on.