It's amazing how many ideas, equations, situations and memories we have stored in our brains. Each of these things were somehow presented to us in an impactful way, otherwise we most likely would have forgotten them years ago. This doesn't necessarily mean those Physics equations were the most exciting things to memorize but we did it any way because it was required of us. When I look back on demonstrations or lectures or presentations that I experienced there are many reasons why I did so. I think the number one necessity for a presentation to mack any sort of impact is if the person who is presenting the information is passionate and excited about what they are talking about. I can totally tell when someone is only saying something out of obligation and annoyance or if they are truly excited to share what they have with their audience. This is how I feel about music as well. I may not love the style of music a band plays but by going to a live concert you can tell so much about the band. 1. If they are actually talented? and 2. Do they love what they're doing? Are they smiling and having a good time while they perform? Are they singing their music or playing their guitar with a great conviction that makes you want to experience those same emotions they seem to be experiencing? I look for this same quality in a someone who gives a speech or tries to persuade me to agree with something.
Secondly, I really appreciate eye contact and awareness of me, the audience. It's a scary thing to stand up in front of people you don't know but you can't avoid the fact that there are actual people listening to you. A presentation is so much more of a personal experience if you feel as if you are a part of it. I also think lack of eye contact and nervousness can come across as a lack of knowledge on whatever it is you're talking about. Unfortunately it doesn't matter if you know the information back and forth if you're not able to portray a sense of confidence to your audience. Along with connecting with the audience I really appreciate when I feel as if the person giving the presentation is able to level and be real with me. It's easy to get on a stage and try to sell a product but to be personable and put personality in it makes the whole experience a much more memorable one.
I am a very visual person so I enjoy to see movement or pictures. I've been a part of many acting and performing presentations where I was hands on and I learn very well in those kind of situations. This is because you're right in the middle of it, you 're a part of it, and you take on ownership of what is being presented. This also causes you to be alert and intent.
I guess I really learn from those who are willing to step beyond what most people's comfort level is and show me why I should listen to them. I want to feel as if I'm a part of something great and something that is real. You don't want to feel scammed or lied to.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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You are so right-on about how important it is for a person to be real with you while they are in a performance position. It certainly seems like a nice idea to march on up there and put the "real" you on pause for a speech...but just because the mic. is on doesn't mean the you is off. I personally find it easier to give a speech when I am being real with people. It is way too stressful to both play pretend AND deliver a message to a roomful of people. So Hannah, I totally agree with you on all counts: be passionate, be confident, be real, and don't be afraid to jazz it up a bit!
ReplyDeleteYes! Being an effective speaker is very closely tied to your ability to speak WITH your audience, rather than just speaking words AT them. Like I said in class today, it's a sort of one-sided conversation, but a conversation nonetheless. Audience are far more receptive of a speaker if they feel like they're included in the entire production...and that goes for physically connecting with them (via eye contact) and mentally connecting with them - using appropriate info, adapting it to them, etc.
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