The Spiel

He really wanted that contract. He had the best presentation for it

The bored guard at the lobby grunted “Seventh Floor.”

The Nautilus office was impressive. Shag carpeting and wood panelling constituted the decor combined with tasteful furniture.

“Yes?” the smart lady behind the reception asked.

“I am here for the talk,” I said.

She ushered me into a large conference room. A mahogany conference table took up the center space. Soft music played unseen. The opulence showed promise.

“They will be with you,” she smiled.

Four dapper gentlemen entered. All were impeccably dressed. A quick round of names’ introduction followed. I thought they looked a bit confused by my presence but I was too excited. This would be a big contract if I could land it.

“I’m sorry we had to cancel this talk a few times. I’m here now and will ensure you get as much information as you need,” I said.

They nodded politely but still looked bemused.

I began my well rehearsed pitch on how my marine engineering firm was best positioned to do the design and construction of the oil platform.

At one point, one of them raised a hand.

I was happy that someone was paying attention.

“How do you deal with indemnity insurance?”

I was thrown off by the question. “Well, there are always blood sucking lawyers for that,” I responded. Not even a smile!

A stony silence ensued for the remaining hour of my presentation.

I ended with “Any questions?”

Nothing. Only stares.

“Any feedback or inputs?” I persisted. I desperately wanted their business.

The oldest looking gentleman slowly stood up. “Get out before it’s too late.”

I blinked in confusion. He continued “Nautilus Maritime is on the seventeenth floor. We are Naut Indemnity Lawyers. If you leave now, you can still give your spiel to them before lunch.”