HEY, YOU! Yes, YOU in the audience… Are You Listening to Me?

Written By Penny Waddell

Let’s talk about listening skills! I already know what you are thinking… YOU are the speaker and WE should be listening to you, right? That much is true; however, as we are speaking we need to focus on our audience and pay attention to their non-verbal language to know if THEY are truly listening.

We’ve all been in this same situation before! We are standing in front of an audience and talking to them, yet there is a part of our brain that is focused on the visual aids or wondering if we just pronounced something incorrectly.

How often do you check to see if your audience is actually listening to you? They may be looking at you and they are definitely in the same room with you, but are they listening? It is time to do a visual body-language non-verbal check-up. Instead of reading your notes, read your audience!

If your audience is NOT listening, you may notice the following:

  • Blank stare directly ahead – but no eye movement

  • Eyes are focused on the ceiling or floor

  • Eyes are focused on their phones or I-pads

  • Talking to colleagues

  • Checking their watches

This is a clear indication that your audience is not with you. If you see one or more of these signs from people in your audience then it is time to make your move. Do something! Ask a question! Tell a story to illustrate a point! Move closer to your audience! Get the audience involved! Be flexible enough that you can vary your speech to make sure you are keeping the attention of your audience and that you know they are listening.

If your audience IS actively listening, you may notice the following:

  • Body is positioned toward the speaker and slightly leaning forward

  • Body is in a relaxed posture

  • Head nods in agreement as you make a point

  • Smiles accompany the head nods

  • Verbal response (hopefully laughter) to your jokes or response to questions

  • Eyes are blinking at a normal rate

  • Taking notes as important points are made

Now, you’re talking and you’ve got your audience hanging on every word. They are listening!

If you would like to know more about Listening Skills, please read SpeechShark: a Public Speaking Guide. You can also take a Listening Assessment to make sure YOU are a good listener as well as a great speaker!

Penny Waddell
Previous

Using Speech SHARK