06.13.07
3 Tips about Audience Participation
Another interesting post at Public Speaking Simplified caught my eye earlier today. It’s about audience participation. I like some of the tips and would remind you that keeping control is essential!
Questions to your audience are always a good way to break the ice. I find they help me reduce the “jitters” which we all suffer from.
Here’s those tips:
Some interactivity with an audience is very critical to getting your message across. It’s also a way to gauge audience interest and to get a sense of whether or not you are going too fast or slow, or if you are staying on point.
Depending on the style and content of your presentation, you may even want to plan some audience inter-activities. Breaking the audience into sub-groups makes the most of short attention spans, and it breaks up the pace of the presentation. Additionally, when sub-groups do interactive role plays, discussions, or list building, they learn faster and better.
Dealing with the Audience
• Here are some rules of thumb:
o For everything from questions to eliciting comments to getting volunteers for crazy group activities, don’t spend time dragging someone who is clearly more comfortable not being in the limelight.
o When crafting interactive exercises or activities for a seminar or presentation, consider the audience:
* have they seen this kind of thing before?
* Is it too advanced? Too juvenile? ? Too creative? Not creative enough?
* Too verbal? ? Does it require special skills?
* Will it embarrass people beyond where the audience will be comfortable?
o Interact with your audience through elicit responses to questions you pose. To get answers, don’t merely say, for example, “Can anybody tell me something about their negative experiences in public speaking?” A more sure way to get responses might be to be more specific: “has anyone here ever had terrible speaking experience when called upon to?” Inevitably someone will nod. Gently ask someone who nods if they will elaborate and the conversation will begin. Others will be glad to give their comments if someone starts the ball rolling.
o Bring people into your world. Ask them to help you by reading lists, or points you have pre-printed, or ask them to write on a flip chart. Give them prizes.
Keep your eyes peeled for more tips.
