Presentation Tips: Involving the Audience

“Ask questions. Toss them a candy treat. Walk off the stage and down into the audience to let them know you care.” – Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD PFCI
“Use a handout where each person can participate and respond.” – Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI
“Provide a handout with headings only. Ask them to jot down various points as they are covered in the commentary. Invite responses at the end of the program by distributing a post program questionnaire.” – Lena Malouf AIFD PFCI
“Put yourself on their level and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself!” – Arliss Krieger PFCI
“I encourage them to ask a question. When they do, I ask other audience members for solutions. People love to participate if they are encouraged.” – Kathi Thomas AIFD PFCI
“Eye contact with individuals shows them that you sincerely care about them. Nothing will win them over faster.” – Jack Baker AAF AIFD PFCI
“Speak to the audience as equals. Be friendly, approachable and work to break down any barriers that may exist.” – Alan Parkhurst AIFD PFCI
“Involvement is contagious. Prior to the show identify several enthusiastic individuals who are not shy and would like to be involved. Involving just a few encourages others to participate, too.” – Steve Brickner AAF AIFD PFCI
* “I always thank the person who asks me a question. I believe this encourages others who might be sitting there thinking about asking a question to do so.” – J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI
* “Make them laugh. Everyone loves to have fun!” – Carol Caggiano AIFD PFCI
* “I find 7 or 8 people in the audience and focus on them as if I am having a fireside chat. This is especially good with large audiences – makes it seem like a small intimate group ‘heart-to heart’ discussion.” – Rich Salvaggio AAF AIFD PFCI
“I use a ‘shock treatment’ statement… Something like, ‘Customers are NEVER wrong.’ Then I pause. It gets their attention and then I explain why customers are never wrong. Add a bit of humor – it also goes a long way.” – Richard Seaboldt AAF AIFD PFCI
“Ask for their suggestions on how or where to use a design. Encourage them to think ‘beyond the box.'” – Kirk Pamper AAF AIFD PFCI
“I always ask them rhetorical questions… gets them thinking deeper than just listening.” – William Santos AAF AIFD PFCI
“I pass out 3 x 5 cards and ask them to write out their best tips for success. I read the good ones from the stage. Many people will write an idea – but are reluctant to say it aloud in front of others.” – Jason McCollum AIFD PFCI
“A change of pace usually makes the audience pay attention. If the program is in a slow pace – I’ll conduct a raffle or give away some samples to vary the pace and liven things up.” – Jim Morley AAF AIFD PFCI
“Show enthusiasm. But be yourself – and you’ll have them in the palm of your hand.” – Richard Milteer AAF AIFD PFC
“First find out who they are and then tailor your presentation to them.” – Joey Schwanke AAF PFCI