PRESENTING / 49
Dealing with interruptions
If you are interrupted, listen to the point
being made and answer it briefly. Say
you’ll deal with it later or will speak
to that person afterward, then put the
incident out of your mind.
•
When it is time for you to start, walk
confidently to the podium and smile
at the audience.
•
Take a moment to put your papers
down purposefully.
•
Focus on what you are saying:
it drowns out negative thoughts.
•
Keep your feet firmly on the floor.
•
Speak slowly—it is easy to speak too
fast when you are nervous.
•
Keep breathing! Occasionally take
a slow, deep breath.
•
If you feel an attack of nerves, pick
a friendly face in the audience and
smile at them.
•
Remember that no one in the
audience wants you to fail.
The more relaxed you appear,
the more rapport you will create
Unless they are very unusual people,
your audience will empathize with you,
because it’s something nearly everyone
dreads. If it’s something you can remedy
quickly, look at the audience, smile, and
deal with the issue. If it’s a more difficult
problem like fixing the projector bulb,
look for the organizers, and ask for their
help. In the meantime, try to carry on
as best you can. You will be remembered
for coping well.
You may be doing the talking,
but the audience will be
giving nonverbal feedback
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