Want More From a Speaker? Be a Better Audience!
Speakers have a responsibility to their audiences. They should:
Know their material.
Know their audience.
Prepare and practice.
Deliver VALUE.
Respect the audience's time.
But here's something we don't talk about enough: Audiences have responsibilities, too!
A presentation is a two-way street. Want to get more VALUE from a speaker? Be a great audience!
That means:
Arrive on time.
Put the phone away.
Lean in.
Listen.
Make eye contact.
React!
Laugh when something is funny.
Nod when something makes sense.
Take notes.
Ask good questions.
Participate when asked.
Personally, thank them for their presentation.
Speakers feed off the energy of their audiences. An engaged audience can make a good speaker BETTER!
I was reminded of this recently. Near the end of my presentation, I asked the audience for "Lessons Learned."
TJ Sweet, a super speaker in his own right, raised his hand and asked a question. TJ had heard me speak before.
Here's the interesting part: He already knew the answer! In fact, he had learned it FROM ME!
He wasn't asking because he needed the information. He asked because he knew my answer would reinforce an important point for everyone else in the room.
Classy! I understood what he was doing and publicly thanked him.
Then Sandy Waggett, who co-hosted the event with TJ, shared something she had learned from me about practicing presentations.
"Don't always practice from the beginning!" Sometimes start in the MIDDLE of your talk. Other times, start near the END. This helps you become comfortable with ALL parts of your presentation, not just the opening.
Sandy's comment reinforced another important lesson for everyone in attendance. Here's what I find especially interesting: TJ and Sandy were the event's co-hosts. I don't think it's a coincidence they were also helping make the presentation more valuable.
They LEAD BY EXAMPLE! They didn't just organize the event and sit back. They participated, reinforced important points, and helped me deliver a more informative presentation.
That's what GREAT audience members do!
The next time you're in an audience, remember: The speaker certainly has a responsibility to YOU. But YOU can help the speaker deliver their BEST presentation.
And when you do—EVERYONE gets more VALUE!
"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!" They are everywhere, and we are either taking advantage of them—or missing them.
A great audience can make delivering a presentation absolutely, positively—NO SWEAT! —————————————————————————————————————————————
About the Author
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.
They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."
They also know: We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
Keynote Speaker
Workshop Facilitator
Breakout Sessions
Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
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