The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

344 / TAKING CENTER STAGE

Holding the audience

Keeping interest

You have prepared an interesting

presentation. You are delivering it with

conviction using a good range of visual

materials and rhetorical devices. Yet

when you look out, you don’t get the

reassurance of attentive expressions

on the faces of the audience; you may

even detect signs of distraction.

Perhaps your audience is tired, or your

presentation is the last in a grueling

day, or maybe you are delivering some

difficult material. In any case, you need

to take action fast:

-^ Ask the audience if they can hear^
and understand your words and if
they are comfortable. Take remedial
steps if necessary.

Novelty and expectation will keep your audience focused through the

early parts of your presentation. But keeping their attention once they

are accustomed to the sound of your voice and your presentation style

can be more of a challenge. Look for signs of disengagement, and

be prepared to act quickly to bring the audience back on track.

Reading signs from the audience

>>^ Chin resting^

on hand

>>^ Legs relaxed^

and parallel

>>^ Clasped fingers

>>^ Making eye

contact

>>^ Nodding in

agreement

>>Leaning forward

POSITIVE SIGNS

US_344-345_Holding_audience.indd 344 30/05/16 3:05 pm