The next time you have the opportunity to speak in front of a large group...take it!

Group presentations are something I am comfortable doing, although I do admit I still get nervous when I get up in front of professionals to do a day or two of talking. I’ve learned a lot over the years about what to do (and what NOT to do), but one of the things that I count on for my success is an ability I have practiced and picked up over the years...

The ability to talk with people, in front of them.

It’s not the eye contact you may have seen presenters do where they constantly dart their eyes all over the room. It’s almost as if they’re trying NOT to look at anyone, the way I have seen people address everyone but talk to no one!

I’ve got a couple of tricks up the old sleeve to make this doable; I’m not going to give them all away, but here’s one I like to share with new and experienced speakers alike.

I remember that even though I am speaking in front of a large group, all of those people are individuals.

And, at the end of the day (or if it’s shorter, at the end of the hour), people are going to remember us and our connection more than they will remember all of our content.

One question on people’s minds when they start listening to you is: Can I trust you?
Eye contact can go a long way in establishing trust.

Another question people ask themselves as they continue to listen is: Does this speaker know what they are talking about?
Eye contact can establish that as well.

Oh, one more question is: Does the speaker really care...do they care about what they are doing, do they care about me?
And, let me tell ya, eye contact is a way to let someone know you care.

So, next time you’re invited to the “front of the room.” Take the opportunity and roll with it. And, of course, let me know what shows up!

Comments

[Reinout van Rees]

A funny coincidence made me lose my fear of presenting in front of largish audiences: http://vanrees.org/weblog/no-fear-of-presenting

(Summary: having to tell something to a large audience which is invisible because a spotlight takes aim at me. After that, no more fear).

Your entry is a good reason to finally write it down somewhere :-)

Reinout