I tried one of my experiments this week.
Don’t groan, and do read on, please!
It’s not weird, or at least no weirder than my usual standard.
And I certainly think it’s interesting, plus useful.
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The experiment was this:
I measured how many steps I took when I ran a three hour workshop on public speaking and storytelling for Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge.
Guess how many? Go on, have a guess…
Remember, I was speaking for three hours, but there was a break, as well as quite a few exercises and interactions for the group, when I took the chance to sit down!
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The answer to the question of how many steps I took is…
Drumroll and fanfare…
- 4800
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Which came as quite a surprise. I was guessing the total would be maybe half that.
In terms of distance, it was just over 3 km, or a couple of miles.
Not bad for pacing around at the front of the seminar room, and occasionally wandering through the tables to talk to the participants.
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That was splendid on one count, that I got some decent exercise, albeit in just one room.
But more interestingly, it told me something about my speaking style:
It’s far from static.
Which I think is a very good thing.
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When I arrived, I was offered a lectern from which to present behind.
But I immediately pushed it out of the way.
For me, a table, or lectern, is a barrier between speaker and audience.
It creates an us and them mindset, when we should all be working together to explore some interesting education, and also - importantly - enjoy ourselves.
Getting out there, in front of and amongst the audience, sends a far more positive signal of togetherness.
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It also shows energy and enthusiasm...
And, perhaps even more critically, confidence.
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Standing behind a lectern feels like you’re hiding.
Which hardly conveys a command of the moment.
Whereas, if you get out and wander around…
It all feels far more engaging, energising, interesting, and authoritative.
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So, for much more powerful presenting and public speaking…
(And some good exercise, as well!)
Dispense with tables and lecterns, get out there, get moving, and get in amongst the group.
You’ll make a far better impression that way.
