Page 153 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE BEYOND WORDS
CHAPTER 9
and choose those tools that complement your style and the expectations of
your audience.
Interact with games. Those who teach adults, either as instructors or as

trainers, typically have a selection of books containing games. Ask to
see these books or seek them out in bookstores. Icebreakers, those that
encourage people to interact with one another, work best. Keep the 131
exercise to less than 5 minutes.
Interact with music to set the mood. Before you step on stage, play
some “walk-on” music, i.e., a light, easy-listening melody that encour-
ages the audience to settle down.
Interact with lighting. Arrange to lower the light level before you go on
stage, then bring it up gradually. Maybe lower it when you are making a
dramatic point.
Interact with your product. If you are presenting a product, let the audi-
ence experience that product for itself. You can explain the features and
benefits, but let the product demonstrate itself. Invite the audience to
touch and feel the product.
Interact with the Internet. Many presenters augment their presentation
with images from a web site. Some even hold teleconferences over the
Internet. If you choose this e-avenue, make certain that you use a pro-
jection screen large enough for everyone to see.
Interact with props. One effective technique is the lone chair. Place it

on the stage. You may sit on it, place your foot on it, or even create an
imaginary dialogue with it.

Interact with clothing. Something you wear can be a prop. Often a pre-
senter who is wearing a suit will stride to the podium and make a point
of taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves. By doing so, the pre-
senter sends a signal that the mood will be informal and down to earth.
Engaging the audience is a presenter’s chief responsibility. As we have
shown, there are many ways to stimulate an audience response. The challenge
for the presenter is finding the right balance between message and staging.
Sometimes words alone are enough. Other times, you may need both visuals
and interactive games. Whatever the method, the outcome must be the same:
engaging the audience’s attention.
Theatricality may not be suitable for all occasions. It may be expected of
professional presenters, but it may be frowned upon when you are presenting
to the board of directors. Boredom is your enemy. Do what you can to banish
it from your presentations forever.