Public speaking - two way communicating

According to The book of lists, the fear of Public Speaking is listed as the top fear. It is ahead of even the fear of death. Some experts believe that less than 2% of the world's population can speak effectively in public. I am of the opinion that Public Speaking is a skill that can be easily learned, and I comfortably train people to overcome this fear in a two day workshop. But one of the things that is not so easy to master is how a public speaker can read the audience. After all, Public Speaking is a two way communication.

How can we read the audience?

The key lies in reading the  Body Language. Let's look at the finer points of how public speakers can read Body Language of the audience. Let's divide this into two clear areas - Macro Level and Micro Level indicators

A. MACRO LEVEL INDICATORS

POSTURE. How people are seated, and how they align their bodies are a clear indicator of their interest in the speaker/speech. If people are facing the speaker and are not observing the speaker sideways, then it is good sign for the speaker. If they are learning forward rather than leaning back, then this too is amplifying the interest in the speech.

HEAD POSITION: The tilt of the head, and how the audience looks at the speaker is indicative of how they are receiving the message being delivered. If the head is tilted and is not moving much, then it is not a good sign. However, if the head is held upright and is nodding frequently, it is a sign that the message is not only being received well, but is being agreed to. If the head is shifting and moving around a lot, then the listener is distracted, and not focused on the speaker.

ARMS: Arms folded across the body are not a positive indicator for a speaker. This is a closed body posture, and shows that the listener may not be open to the message. However, the temperature in the room should also be noted. If it is cold, then there is a tendency for people to cross their arms in front of the body, more to maintain body heat, and this gesture may then not be too conclusive. However, if people are open in arm positioning and are showing the other positive signs indicated above, then it is a welcome sign for the speaker.

MOVEMENT: If people are fidgety and not comfortable, it may be because of the length of time that they have been sitting, or the design of the chairs. However if they are sitting for only a short while, and they are still fidgeting, it is an indication that the speech is not going down well with them. If people are leaving the room, looking at their watches, or making other moves at frequent intervals, then the speaker needs to do something to get their attention focused again. (We will cover some of these techniques in the next issue.)

B. MICRO LEVEL INDICATORS

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS. The brow and the eyes and the mouth are where the subtle messages give the mind of the listeners away.

1. The brow is used to show surprise when the eyebrows go up suddenly. If they are scrunched, then it is indicative of uncertainty, or apprehension depending on the other signals. If one eyebrow is up and the other is normal, then please note that the listener is not too convinced about what is being said, and is even naughtily indicating this to you.  

2. The eyes, when they can be observed are the windows to the soul. If the speaker is following every move of the speaker, then it is a clear sign that there is a strong connection that is established with the listener. It is a joy for the speaker to note that the eyes are looking expectantly at the speaker and are clinging on to every word. I enjoy watching the eyebrows of the listeners as this region of the face is difficult to mask, and gives the best indications of what is happening in the mind.

3. The mouth is always worth noticing. If the lips are pursed tightly, it may indicate that there is stiff resistance to what is being said. If the mouth is smiling, then the speaker can be assured that the message is acceptable. If the lips are turned slightly downwards, then, depending on the other facial indicators, one can assume that the listener is skeptical of, or unhappy with, what is being said. If the listener is laughing wholeheartedly, then the speaker knows that all barriers of resistance have been broken - at least for the moment.

C. OTHER INDICATORS

If people are making frequent notes, asking questions from time to time, and are fixed to their seats right through your speech, then you have done an amazing job and will be called back to speak at some future date. However, if people are not even listening to you, and are chit-chatting or passing comments from time to time, that are not very flattering, or positive, then you may need to do something like - change tack, or move to an early close.

None of the above indicators are conclusive when considered in isolation, but as a cluster of gestures, they are a very good and effective way of knowing how your message is being received by your audience. So all those of you who are committed to delivering an effective speech, please do note how your audience is responding to what you are saying, and you will be able to make a positive impression every time you get up to speak. In the next issue we will cover how to ensure that you make this positive impression.

Till then, happy observing and tons of learning.  

Ian Faria is a corporate trainer, success coach, and transformator

Issue BG80 Nov07