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13.2 Look at the Audience
Actors in a play have a distinct advantage over actors in a movie: immediate feedback from the audience. When giving a presentation, you should also take advantage of feedback provided by the audience. Their body language will let you know
whether:
• Your presentation is boring (people sleeping, looking at their phones)
• Your voice tone is too low (people sleeping)
• Your presentation is too complicated (people stop looking and listening)
• You catch their interest (everybody is staring at you/the screen)
• Your jokes (if any) are actually good (or bad) – Sect. 13.9
You can then adapt your delivery according to the feedback received (raise your
voice, take time to better explain, skip to the next topic, etc.)
You also establish a better connection with the audience through a more active
presentation. As such, they are more likely to pay attention to what you say and do
(no one likes to be caught drowsing). Plus, you get to see who leaves the room,
comes in, actively listens, etc. A wealth of information!
Looking at the audience shows that you care, rather than just going through
the motion.
13 Delivery