The CPR dog that nailed the intro

Just last week, I signed up for a CPR course with my kids. I knew it was a crucial skill for all of us to learn. The kids, however, didn’t share my enthusiasm. The objections started right away: 

“We're just kids, what's the point?”

“We already kinda' know CPR.” 

And the kicker: 

“It's on Saturday morning... at 10 a.m.!” 

To be honest, by the time the weekend rolled around, I was just as reluctant. It had been a long week... I had a million errands to run... and, to top it off, it was my birthday! But a commitment is a commitment, so off we went.

The class was held at our community centre gym—chairs and a projector on one side, mannequins and mats on the other. The lights were dim, the energy was low, and we braced ourselves for what we thought would be a long, dull session.

But then the instructor did something unexpected. He opened with a story that had recently been in the news—about a dog who saved his owner’s life by performing CPR!

Wait, what?! 

Darren (right) and Janice Cropper with their puppy, Bear, who helped save Darren's life.

Yes, a four-legged hero, with a news clip to prove it! I was instantly hooked—and I wasn't the only one. I looked over to my kids, who were hanging on every word.

That story lasted no more than a minute, but it completely changed the energy in the room. It built rapport, sparked curiosity, and answered the ever-important question: 'Why should I listen?'  In this case, the answer was clear: you can save a loved one's life. Plus, the unspoken reassurance: if a dog can do it, then so can you!

From there, the presentation flowed seamlessly. The instructor used all the right tools: interesting facts, demos, interaction, and humour. His body language, vocal variety, and overall presence kept us engaged from start to finish.

The story of the CPR dog set the tone for the entire session. It worked just as well on a 12-year-old, a 14-year-old, and, well... me! 😉

Key takeaway: Always find a way to make your presentation more interesting - not just to engage, but also to clarify, connect, and influence. Whether at the beginning or later in your talk, a memorable moment can transform the outcome of your session.

And if you haven’t taken a CPR course yet, I highly recommend it. You never know when you might need it.

You can read more about Bear, the heroic pup, here: