I think it's important to remember that public speaking is an TERRIFYING experience for many people. Those of us who are good at it can take it a bit for granted. I think a lot of folks who deliver the "YouTube video-like" presentations probably do it as a defensive move.
I wonder if there's a way to turn it around, to make the AUDIENCE think about bringing out the best in people on the stage. You know how some people are just "easy to talk to"? I wonder if there's a way a crowd could instill that in a speaker?
jon
· 2 years ago
you, chris. You are my freshest example of a great presentation. Watched the audience. Looked for interest level. Started with humor that made the audience feel good about themselves (not a joke that ridiculed anyone). Acknowledged the company, and then didn't focus on that. Lots of velcro for community. The audience didn't feel like an audience, they felt like friends.
And I love Jay's thoughts about the audience. When I taught, I got better at interacting when the class decided to care. This was with adult learners in particular.
So if audiences, esp at podcamps and conferences started with the "let us help you help us learn" attitude, amazing things could happen.
Whitney
· 2 years ago
I think Chris has it right- presentations should be about talking with your audience, not at them. This is what podcasting does well. It is a conversation, not a lecture. Great speakers can use formulas, but the best link stories together like beads on a chain to form a beautiful necklace- Malcolm Gladwell, Steven Levitt, Marcus Buckingham all manage to do this with thier books, in audio presentations and the like. Seth Godin is similar (Currently on tour with his new book-The Dip, don't miss it- I'm going in Philly on the 16th!)
Mark Forman
· 2 years ago
You hot this one out of Fenway Chris. greatest speaker I ever heard was Zig Ziglar. What I learned from him and what you have reflected in this post is-your job is to educate the person why they need your product/service and treat them with respect and convey that through your words and actions.
Mark Forman
· 2 years ago
You hit this one out of Fenway Chris. greatest speaker I ever heard was Zig Ziglar. What I learned from him and what you have reflected in this post is-your job is to educate the person why they need your product/service and treat them with respect and convey that through your words and actions.
Justin
· 2 years ago
See, I signed up for google/reader so I get all your posts right away now.
You should go school to school and preach to teachers what you just posted. Most of the professors I had just wanted to talk about them. U Mass Lowell Sucked!
Adam Jochum
· 2 years ago
Ze.
David Finch
· 2 years ago
As Jay commented earlier public speaking can be very terrifying to those who seldom give presentations. However, to those that speak on a regular basis there must be a change from product pitching and connecting with me.
Connecting for me is being available before and after your presentation. The presenter also has to come into my world and this can be achieved with genuine interest in me more than just his product. The bottom line is if there's genuine interest in my world if the product is applicable then I may BUY into your world.
In other words, authentic, engaging, honest, concern, interest, me has to speak louder than pitch, sale, close, client.
All Comments
I wonder if there's a way to turn it around, to make the AUDIENCE think about bringing out the best in people on the stage. You know how some people are just "easy to talk to"? I wonder if there's a way a crowd could instill that in a speaker?
And I love Jay's thoughts about the audience. When I taught, I got better at interacting when the class decided to care. This was with adult learners in particular.
So if audiences, esp at podcamps and conferences started with the "let us help you help us learn" attitude, amazing things could happen.
Great speakers can use formulas, but the best link stories together like beads on a chain to form a beautiful necklace-
Malcolm Gladwell, Steven Levitt, Marcus Buckingham all manage to do this with thier books, in audio presentations and the like. Seth Godin is similar (Currently on tour with his new book-The Dip, don't miss it- I'm going in Philly on the 16th!)
You should go school to school and preach to teachers what you just posted. Most of the professors I had just wanted to talk about them. U Mass Lowell Sucked!
Connecting for me is being available before and after your presentation. The presenter also has to come into my world and this can be achieved with genuine interest in me more than just his product. The bottom line is if there's genuine interest in my world if the product is applicable then I may BUY into your world.
In other words, authentic, engaging, honest, concern, interest, me has to speak louder than pitch, sale, close, client.
Just a few thoughts on the fly!