Give Your Audience Something to Talk About

There is an old saying: "The first thing to do when the audience goes to sleep is to prod the speaker." Most presentations are not intense enough. The average audience is lulled to sleep by droning monotony. A really energetic presenter can lose a pound or more in the course of an hour-long presentation, which gives some idea of the vigor which can and should go into it. If you are alive, alert, intense, enthusiastic, the audience cannot put their attention elsewhere.

Direct participation by audience members is one of the best ways to keep their attention. When appropriately used, audience participation usually will focus the eyes and ears of almost every audience member on what's happening. You should always be alert to possibilities for letting people in your audiences do and say. You may simply ask questions. You may ask for volunteers to demonstrate, or use a visiting expert.

A smile can more effectively start a training off right than anything else you might do. And the remarkable thing is that it will also have a positive impact on you. Try this experiment with your next group of participants. There is no rule that says you must begin to speak immediately on reaching the podium. Say nothing, and simply view the audience. Look into the faces of as many individuals as possible and smile in a friendly way. This will relax both you and your audience. Continue to smile as occasions present themselves. Look at people, interact with them warmly, disarmingly and sincerely and see what happens.

People don't relate well to the same activity repeated over a long period of time. Trainers should try to alternate activity and lecture. Intersperse things such as chalkboard use, demonstration, lecturing, and audio-visuals so that no single one occupies too long a period. Do not "bounce" all over the podium, but furnish the audience enough variety of action and speech so that they will have some opportunity to stay alert.

Remember: relax, smile, and be energetic!

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

---

Keeping Meetings Productive

KEEPING MEETINGS PRODUCTIVE: Whether participants approve or disapprove of an... Read More

Sharpening Your Presentation Skills

Regardless of the nature of our job or social standing,... Read More

Building a Trade Show Display

If you are taking your newest products to a trade... Read More

Chairing A Meeting The Most Effective Way

How many times have you attended a meeting where the... Read More

Why You Need a Lesson Plan

LESSON PLAN DEVELOPMENT: Lesson plans, believe it or not, are... Read More

Tips to Energize Your Presentations

"There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be... Read More

Your Unique Point of View

I had a chance to go to one of those... Read More

Qualities of Good Communication

Webster's Dictionary defines communication as "a giving or exchanging of... Read More

Tips to Temper Speaking Anxiety

People take it for granted that leaders have achieved some... Read More

How You Can Save On Conference Calling

In recent years, companies have recognized the need to expand... Read More

Close Deals in Record Time!

Remember back when the ability to create a slide show... Read More

Conducting Successful Training Activities

Whether you are training preschoolers in the classroom or executives... Read More

Writing The Query Letter

The query letter is simply a business letter that serves... Read More

How To Run Your Greatest Conference Ever

Like most good achievements, a magnificent meeting depends on planning... Read More

Clear Communication: The Benefits and How to Achieve Them

Communication is a complex and often difficult process for both... Read More

Can Stage Presence be Learned?

What is stage presence? Can it be learned?There are, undoubtedly,... Read More

Trade Show Victory!

So you're going to have a booth at a trade... Read More

Wow! Is That ME? - Creating a Powerful One-Page Bio

First of all, what is a bio sheet and why... Read More

Choosing the Right Work Shirts for Your Small Business

Company attire says a lot about your business philosophy to... Read More

Public Speaking Training Tips For Better Business Presentations To Culturally Diverse Audiences

Audiences around the world are all different. Cultural, social and... Read More

Cell Phone Dos And Dont During A Meeting

What would we do without our cell phones? Wow, there's... Read More

Business Presentations - Use Power Pitching - Get the Personal Edge

Whenever and whatever you're pitching, dozens of factors will figure... Read More

Give Your Audience Something to Talk About

There is an old saying: "The first thing to do... Read More

Practice Makes Perfect ? 7 Tips for Making the Most of Your Presentation Practice

Believe it or not, preparation is a better determinant of... Read More

Top Ten Tips For Better Business Presentations To Asian Audiences

Audiences around the world are all different. Cultural, social and... Read More

Rise Above Cattiness

Cattiness is something no one ever wants to be accused... Read More

Ancient PowerPoint Secrets: Ask Your Grandma!

Yes, there are ancient PowerPoint secrets...secrets your grandmother knows and... Read More

Present Your Message with Power and Pizzazz

If you're ready to kick your career or business up... Read More

Media Training Tips: Maximising Your Media Moment

Media training is a 'must do' professional development program for... Read More

Present for Success: Simple Strategies to Add Confidence and Credibility to Your Next Presentation

Tomorrow's the day and you're dreading it. You're scheduled to... Read More

If You Want Business - Throw a Seminar!

Why is throwing a seminar good for business?If you want... Read More

Special Delivery! Tips for Improving Your Humor

Delivering humorous speeches involves a lot more than simply having... Read More

Presentation Skill Mistakes

Last week my husband and I attended an awesome 4... Read More