Engaging your audience
‘Angela’ (identity has been changed for anonymity) is a competent, knowledgeable business person who prepares well for her presentations. She knows her stuff, but has noticed that she doesn’t get people engaging in her meetings in the same way as others- even those who seem to prepare less and have less information.
Have you ever felt like this? You are speaking and don’t feel the connection with the audience- they aren’t with you, and many will feel there is something off or awkward about the presentation. This can lead to reduce self-confidence in speaking and negative feedback.
There are many things that can be done to help in this situation, but as Angela and I talked, she identified that she tends to focus on just one or two people in the audience.
Eye contact is essential to establish connection resulting in increased focus and learning from the group.
Tips for eye contact in presentations:
Use eye contact as a way of connecting with the audience.
Don’t stare- Eye contact for more than around 3 seconds makes people feel uncomfortable.
Help everyone feel included and invited in to the presentation through eye contact with people in all areas of the room
Angela tried this and had increased positive feedback and engagement in her presentations, increasing her self-confidence and ability to bridge skill gaps for employees.
If you want to find out more about business or individual coaching or mentoring, conflict management or even get a public speaker for your event, contact vicki@multiplycoaching.org
