Top seven ways to lose an audience

by Lisa Petty

You've been asked to speak at an upcoming event. What a fabulous opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise or engage a new group of people. Unless you're planning to lose the attention of the audience shortly after you are introduced.  If that's your goal, follow these important steps...

1. Wing It!

Write your speech on a napkin in the car on the way to the event as you wait for lights to change. While you can see the value in having a fully thought-out, well-rehearsed speech that flows in a logical order, with pronunciation triple-checked and anticipated questions answered, perfectly timed and memorized to the point that it looks like the words are rolling spontaneously off your tongue, your audience will never know the difference. So what if all they see is the top of your head as you squint to decipher your hastily scribbled notes? And it's always adorable when you run back up to the stage to interrupt the next speaker because you forgot to thank someone important.

2. Read it

Your audience isn't used to being entertained. Fortunately for you, they don't like television, movies, stand-up comedians, live theatre or watching sporting events. They seem more like the 'book on tape' kind of crowd, anyway. Whether you choose to read from cue cards or the aforementioned napkin, nothing beats a well-read speech. Even better, the audience loves when all your notes are on your power-point presentation, and you simply read it word-for-word. Encourage them to read along with you for some audience participation!

3. Be serious, now!

Nobody likes a wise guy. Keep your sense of humour to yourself. Jokes and amusing stories may help to illustrate your point, but they have no place in an oral presentation. Do not give any clues about your personality in your wardrobe selection. Choose clothing that is bland and unassuming. The last thing you need is for the audience to think you are fresh, modern, likeable, comfortable in your own style or a successful expert. First impressions are everything!

4. Hurry

Respect the agenda! Speak quickly, in a monotone voice. Of course, the audience at the back of the room will hear you. That's why you're using a microphone! Avoid using a well-placed pause to incite interest or for emphasis, and instead make judicious use of pause words like "um."

5. Freeze

How will people possibly be able to focus on what you have to say if their eyes also have to follow you about the stage, into the audience, around the room, and back to centre stage? Glue yourself to that podium. For the same reason, avoid hand gestures and keep facial expressions to a minimum.

6. Minimize audience distraction

No props. No visual aids. Do not ask the audience questions. Avoid use of demonstrations and activities that engage your audience. It's okay if they fall asleep; the meal was awfully heavy anyway.

7. Avoid eye contact

The last thing you want to do is connect with your audience. If you do, they might ask questions. And you may not know the answer. See Rule One.

All kidding aside, the best public speakers know their stuff inside and out. They speak confidently, clearly and with their heads up. When appropriate, use visual aids that don't distract from your message. Be engaging, make eye contact, share amusing stories and look like the expert that you are. Because first impressions are everything! •