Fascinating fact for you: A study discovered we spend about 13% of our day in what can be called “screensaver” mode, or more clinically, dissociation. That’s a fancy way of saying we zone out. Ever found yourself lost in thought when someone reads verbatim from a slide deck in a meeting? You’re not alone.
But here’s a twist. I read a piece titled “How To Stop Yourself From Zoning Out,” which essentially suggests ways to keep ourselves focused when you feel yourself checking out. This brings up an important question: When did we get to the point where the onus is no longer on the presenter to run an engaging program? Why is it on the audience to “learn against all odds?”
It’s time for a cold hard truth to surface, if you’re presenting and people zone out, it’s often your fault – about 90% of the time. I know this may raise the hackles on some people’s necks, but professional presenters know the truth. While audience members might have personal distractions, they usually aren’t the majority.
For those who identify as “Trainer” or “Public Speaker,” it’s crucial to step up your game. Here are some essential Do’s and Don’ts:
DO: Understand your audience’s background, learning style, and objectives.
DON’T: Just wing it with an unfamiliar slide deck. This often leads to the unforgivable sin of reading the slides word for word to your audience.
DO: Arrive early, mingle, and start building a rapport with your audience.
DON’T: Demand or say you “expect” interaction and participation. Foster it naturally through your engagement. It’s what you’re there to do.
DO: Practice thoroughly. If you have to refer to your slides or find yourself filling the air with “um”s, you’re not ready.
DON’T: Overwhelm your audience with jargon or acronyms they might not understand.
DO: Show respect and empathy. Your audience is there to learn, not just to be talked at.
Remember, as a presenter or trainer, you are indescribably important to your audience. You hold the reins of audience engagement, attentiveness, and learning. You’re not just responsible for the content you deliver, but also for how it’s received and what your audience takes away from it. Don’t take that for granted.
For your audience’s sake, embrace these responsibilities and make your sessions as engaging and informative as possible.