When in the Audience, I promise to . . .

Do the following, because

Better Audience = Better Speaker = Better Experience for All!

Arrival

1. I will arrive well ahead of time.

2. I’ll know where the building is located.

3. I’ll allow time for parking, finding the presentation area, restrooms, break areas, etc.

4. If there is a registration desk I’ll be there early to sign in, get my name tag, and seating assignment.

5. I may meet the speaker before the event.

6. Some speakers introduce themselves, shake hands, and greet people before the program.

   1. This helps them perform better.

   2. It’s an opportunity to ask attendees, before their talk, what they want to take away from the presentation and answer some questions.

   3. The presenter may use this information in their presentation.

7. I’ll find my seat, meet and greet people around me, and sit down Arriving late is disruptive to the speaker and audience.

8. I’ll sit so my entire body faces the speaker.

   1. Good presenters continually “take the temperature of their audience” to perceive how they are receiving their messages.

      1. If they see a facial expression indicating a person didn’t GET IT!, they may restate the point in a different way,

9. I won’t sit with my arms crossed.

   1. That gesture sends the speaker a negative non-verbal message.

   2. It also closes me off to new ideas.

I’ll be an active listener.

1. I’ll lean towards the presenter and listen intently.

2. I’ll make it a goal to be able to repeat the last statement the speaker made.

3. I’ll make eye contact with the speaker.

4. When I agree with something they say, I’ll nod my head sending them positive feedback.

5. If I disagree, I’ll let my facial expressions and body language give that response, also.

6. If I’m confused by something, I’ll show those expressions.

   1. The presenter might catch that non-verbal communication and restate their thoughts to clear up any misunderstanding.

7. Aside from a quick takeaway reminder or question, I will not text or do anything else on my phone, tablet, or notebook.

   1. We cannot multi-task!

I won’t:

1. Talk to others.

2. Eat, drink, or do something that could be distracting to the audience or speaker.

If I want to ask a question.

1. I’ll jot it down so I don’t forget to ask if it isn’t covered.

2. I’ll wait till the proper time.

3. Sometimes questions I have, will be answered later in the presentation

4. A good speaker, in their Opening, will tell when and how questions will be handled.

5. I won’t interrupt the presenter by waving my hand at a time other than when “asked for questions.”

   1. That is distracting to the speaker and the audience.

6. I’ll ask my question clearly and distinctly and keep in mind: less is more.

7. If I have more than one question, I’ll give others a chance to ask theirs before attempting to ask another.

8. When asking my question, I’ll be polite even if I disagree with the speaker.

   1. This is not the time to start a debate.

When the speaker closes the presentation –

1. I’ll APPLAUD!

2. The speaker put a great amount of time, thought, and effort into their speech.

   1. Whether I agreed or disagreed; liked it or not, that should be respected and acknowledged .

If time permits . . .

1. I’ll stick around, shake the speaker’s hand, and thank them for presenting.

2. If there were specific things I gained from the presentation, I’ll mention those.

After the event.

1. I might followup with a “Thank You” email or a personal note,  being specific about what I really liked. That is always be appreciated

Better Audience = Better Speaker = Better Experience for All!

If I, and other attendees, do these things the entire experience will be absolutely, positively better for all with – NO SWEAT!

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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:

1. Keynote Speaker

2. Workshop Facilitator

3. Breakout Sessions

4. Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching

Topics:

1. Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!

2. Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!

3. Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.

4. We are All Self-Employed!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.

My books can be purchased on amazon.com. “NO SWEAT Public Speaking” “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Audible offers “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” as an audio book.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.

Thank  you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!