I’ve had a delightful few days travelling, whilst teaching public speaking and presentations.
Along the way I enjoyed, or perhaps I mean endured, a new experience.
The photo, and video from the social media post, are me playing virtual reality cricket.
As you may have spotted, not terribly successfully!
It was the lunch break in one of the sessions, and I was invited to try the technology.
I was flattered by that. And why?
Because it told me something about the way the workshop was going.
You might have the same experience as me, when you’ve been to talks, or lectures, and it’s all been very formal.
The speaker stands at the front, often behind a lectern or table, and talks at you.
Okay, that conveys information, but does it really engage and entertain?
My preferred way of working is very different.
I like to step out from behind the lectern and wander around.
I always feel that breaks down the barrier between me and the audience.
Instead of separate, us and them style, we come together on a shared journey.
If I set the group any exercises, or questions to discuss…
I don’t stand at the front and watch them.
I walk around to eavesdrop on their conversations, and see if I can help with anything.
Likewise in workshops, as with my cricketing experience.
I don’t place myself at a separate table, or behind a desk.
I sit at the same table as the rest of the group.
That way it feels as though we're all working together.
And, from my experience, the results are always better.
For best results in any form of public speaking:
Don’t set yourself apart from your audience…
Get in there, get amongst them, and become one of them.
That way you never know, you may end up playing virtual cricket with them!
