Don’t Let One Person Kill Your Overall Impact
Michael Davis
Author, Keynote Speaker, Presentation Skills Coach | High Impact Communication Skills for Leaders and Sales Professionals | In-person and virtual speaking and coaching
Picture this. You're presenting to a group of 100 people. They're attentive and engaged. You're in "The Zone," fully connected with them and at the top of your game.?
But then, you see him. Halfway back in the crowd, a silver-haired man in a stylish, casual business suit. His arms are crossed, and he has a scowl on his face.
You focus on him a be a too long… and you’re no longer in The Zone. You start to wonder, “What am I doing wrong?”
Inexperienced presenters are subject to falling into the trap of the Lone Scowler - the one unhappy person in a sea of attentive and engaged audience members.
Why Do We Focus On THE ONE?
I've asked many speakers and comedians this question. They often admit that, despite the room being filled with smiling, nodding faces, their attention zeroes in on the one person who seems disengaged or critical.
The answer to the question is rooted in our insecurities — a deep-seated need for approval and fear of rejection.
If you’re feeling uncertain about yourself or your presentation, you are susceptible to focusing on the unhappy individual.?
When you do this, it sucks your energy and confidence out of you. When that happens, you lose the connection with the audience.
The Irony Of This Situation
You have no idea why that person looks unhappy. True, you may have said some thing that that individual didn't like. Most likely, though, it has nothing to do with your presentation. Chances are, the person is thinking about something other than you and what you're saying:
The list is endless.?
You can't be sure that the person, despite the look on his face, may be getting relief from a problem by being in the room. You may be his one escape for the day.?
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You can't know unless you have a conversation with this individual.?
When you give a presentation, scan the audience for friendly faces — there will be many. The power of your presentation lies in your ability to connect with the majority. By giving your energy and attention to the supportive faces, you reinforce your confidence and enhance your delivery.?
If there is a negative face in the crowd, don't jump to the conclusion that it's all about you. Instead, tell yourself something like, “I’m not sure why that person is having a bad day; hope it gets better” and look around for other friendly and engaged faces. Those are your allies and cheerleaders. They deserve your focus.
The opportunity to present to any group is a privilege. Will you let one negative face cheat the rest of the people in the room from the positive impact you can have on them?
What is one way you effectively handle the negative face in the crowd?
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Leadership Coach | Keynote Speaker | Entrepreneur | I help successful executives & owners bridge the gap between achievement and fulfillment | Happiness Expert | Faith-driven Leadership Strategist
2 个月Michael Davis your article has been a difficult topic for me, since I used to be so sensitive, and directing ALL criticisms back to myself. Having a balance, good self-esteem and focusing on the IMPACT, helps to keep improving and delivering good VALUE.
Performance Coach Transforming People and Organizations to Achieve Greater Results | Certified Trainer | Professional Speaker | License to Skill?
4 个月In my early years as a trainer, that one scowling face would make me focus more and more on them to "win them over." As you described, I learned that those scowling faces are no longer a distraction if I focus on the audience and the message. Some of my best feedback came from some of those scowling faces!
Financial Advisor PenFed Credit Union
5 个月You’re doing great on your presentation. You can’t grab all your audience, so don’t fret about one persons reaction. I agree, stay on track and finish strong. Be bullet proof as a presenter. Always stay focused on your game! This even means with distractions such as this.
Helping Business leaders and Educators build Championship Teams. | Keynote Speaker, Workshops and Coaching | Author
5 个月Great point about the unhappy person in your audience. I heed your advice when I am presenting to spend more time with eye contact with friendlier faces. Thanks for sharing.
Professional Speaker ★ Helping Healthcare Professionals ★ To Be A Success ★
5 个月Shift your focus back to the majority of your audience who are attentive and engaged. Remember, they're there because they value what you have to say. Think of it as focusing on the shiny pennies rather than the one rusty one.