This is my favourite trick to add power to any public speaking or presentation.
The only drawback is that it takes real courage to try.
I was honoured to be invited to give a talk to a global youth summit this week, with a particular focus on education and Africa.
I always make sure my talks are interactive. They're much more effective that way.
Think of the most boring presentations you've been to. What made them so dull?
Often it's that the presenter waffled on and on and on, with no change of pace, space for you to interact, or even think.
In other words, a droning monologue.
I HATE THESE! AS DO AUDIENCES! ALWAYS AVOID!
(Ok, rant over.)
But the problem with making this week's talk interactive was that it was online, and there were thousands of people watching.
Which meant there was only one thing to do.
It's a bit of a con trick, but an effective one -
Let the audience think they're taking part and interacting.
And how to do that? I'll give you a clue...
... ...
... ...
... ...
Pauses for them to think. So it felt like they were interacting with me, albeit only in their minds.
But the trick still works. It makes people feel they're part of the show.
And so they enjoy the presentation far more.
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I was talking (as modestly as ever) about the Secrets of Success in Life.
Several of the key points involve asking the audience questions...
Like which author was rejected a dozen times before publication?
And even then advised to get a day job, as she was unlikely to make any money in children's books.
But rather than give an answer right away, I waited...
... ...
... ...
The point I was making in the talk was about the importance of persistence, and the author was, of course...
... ...
... ...
JK Rowling
But the point of this blog is that, when you're doing public speaking or a presentation...
It takes courage to wait in silence.
But give it a try.
It prompts a real sense of a talk being a dialogue rather than a monologue, and is ultimately far more engaging, entertaining, and fulfilling for your audience.