What you do when you aren’t speaking is often just as important as what you do when you are. The moments before and after your presentation should be spent interacting with your audience members. That might be tough because prior to your presentation, you might be experiencing some nerves. And following your presentation, you might be eager to leave and process how you did.
But you can use these 2 simple goals to make sure you get the most out of every possible moment to interact with your audience: take time to listen and make your rounds.
Take Time to Listen
If you have time to chat with your audience members before and after your presentation, you should take time listening to them. After all, they’ll be listening to you speak for most of the event. So during these moments, you need to talk less and listen more. Writer for Inc.com, Minda Zetlin reminds us that when others listen to us, it makes us feel “understood and cared about.” It’s important that the audience gets a turn to feel this way.
This is also the audience’s chance to speak up and participate. Most all of us have a natural desire to belong or to contribute. The nature of presentations doesn’t easily allow for this. So plan to use your before and after time to allow the audience to feel heard and seen. You might even make some new connections or get some leads while you are interacting which will enhance your own work.
There’s another important reason to make your before and after time listening centered. If you are listening rather than talking, you won’t risk revealing or repeating material from your presentation. No need to bore your audience by giving your presentation twice.
Make Your Rounds
It’s also important that you make an effort to spend time interacting with as many people as possible. If you are an introvert like I am, I know this can feel a little overwhelming. But you need to make your rounds. Even though it might be easier just to engage in longer conversations with one or two people whom you feel comfortable with, research shows that shorter conversations are more desirable.
In a study of conversations with strangers, researchers found that 68% of participants reported that there was “a point during the conversation when they wish it had ended.” To help you know when to stop the conversation, watch for social cues. Things like minimal or short responses, body language that starts to orient away from you, or lack of eye contact might all be telling you that it’s time to move on. And it’s always better to leave your audience wanting to interact more with you than less with you, so make sure to end the conversation before it grows stale.
You spend a lot of time making sure your presentation will be powerful and effective. You’ll also want to spend some time making sure those interactions you have before and after it are powerful and effective too. By taking time to listen and making your rounds, you can capitalize on those important moments to connect.
Want more ways to elevate your presentation design or skills? Get in touch with us now.
