Question ~
How do you develop the concentration to not be distracted by audience members?
Mary’s Answer ~
The best way to handle this issue is to shift your mind-set about the audience.
Rather than thinking of the audience as a barrier to overcome, think of the audience as individuals you want to connect with, individuals who will benefit from hearing your message.
Also, keep in mind that you may never really know what an audience member is thinking no matter what their facial expression – what you ‘think’ they are thinking is your own interpretation only. For example, I recently trained a group of people and there was a woman sitting in the front row who sat there the whole 90 minutes completely expressionless. Now I could have interpreted this lack of expression in any number of ways like, “Oh my gosh, she must be bored out of her mind.” After the training, she was literally the first person to run up to buy my audio CD programs.
What I’m trying to say is you can never tell what your audience members are thinking, so there is no need to have them distract you. You are there in front of the room to give them your message. Focus on connecting with the individuals you make eye-contact with.
Mary Cheyne
2009 World Champion of Public Speaking 1st Runner Up
Keynote Speaker/Trainer/Coach
Magnetic Podium