Public Speaking - Earn the Respect of Your Audience
Before you even begin your presentation, you should take a few moments to get a few for the emotional, mental, and physical state of your audience. Do they seem restless or are they sitting attentively? Do they look tired, hungry, or irritable? Does the man in the back row look like he’s about to fall asleep? Is there a woman who seems to care more about talking on her cell phone than listening to what you have to say? Are people chatting amongst themselves or reading newspapers as they wait for you to begin?
If you believe that your audience is not in the best frame of mind to listen to your presentation, you have a few options. To deal with an audience that appears irritable and disinterested, you can ask everyone to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths. If your audience seems physically uncomfortable, you can give them a quick opportunity to stretch, use the restroom, or grab a bite to eat. Giving the audience a few minutes to refocus may take away from your available time, but this extra effort will pay off by providing listeners that are more attentive.
Once your presentation begins, let the audience be your guide. If you notice that people seem to be leaning forward in their chairs, you may be speaking too softly or too fast to be properly understood. It is a good sign when your audience is nodding in agreement, but puzzled looks mean that you may want to use additional examples to clarify your main points. If furrowed brows when using technical jargon or unfamiliar slang greet you, strategic pauses may be more effective in getting your message across. Public Speaking - Create an Engaging Presentation
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