Stop The Banging – What Are Your Attendees Really Listening To? 

Recently I had the privilege of hearing one of my delightful and super smart buddies give a virtual presentation on her topic of expertise. I was looking forward to it, because she always shares the real deal – not the fluff. She began her talk with passion and confidence, speaking straight into the camera, sharing her knowledge with the audience in a professional manner.  

But then it started. Some weird banging sound. Was it my computer? Her microphone? I tried to pay closer attention to the talk and ignore the thumping but it kept going, and of course, soon that’s all I was paying attention to. I noticed that the knocking was accompanying her hand gestures. Was she banging her fist on her laptop?   

I wondered if I should interrupt or keep mum. And of course I typically have a tough time keeping mum….  

So I asked myself, if I were giving an important talk and doing something that created a distracting noise, would I want someone to speak up?? YES!  

I certainly want my audience to clue me in on anything on my end that is taking their attention away. I’m always frantic about whether my dog is barking or my cat jumps on the desk, brushing her tail across the camera, or a delivery person is ringing the doorbell (cue the dog barking).  

So I spoke up and mentioned the sound. I hated interrupting her flow but she was totally unaware of the sound and glad I gave her the heads up. Turned out her watch was knocking against her laptop as her passion for her topic caused her hands to wave around. I get it!  

Take Control of the Situation 

Moral of the story – either sit on your hands or don’t wear a watch or jewelry or put padding on your desk! LOL.  

As a professional speaker or even a sometimes presenter, you want the attention to be on your material and want to do what you can to minimize distractions.  

My tactics: I set my home delivery dates to Fridays specifically because I rarely present on a Friday; and I make sure pets are fed and happy just prior to the talk so they don’t harass me at a critical moment. I’ve learned how to use my hands, gesticulating in the air, within view of the camera, but not coming into contact with something that’s going to make noise. Because as you’re speaking into a microphone, it picks up every sound. 

Are you aware of all the tiny little details you need to attend to in order to give an amazing presentation?  

Are you prepared to give one virtually as well as in-person?  

If you want to start or improve on being a presenter, join me on the 19th for a popular live webinar:  

Position Yourself As a Presenter 

Heeding my own advice: I scheduled this live event on a Thursday because my lawn guys come on Tuesdays. 

Now if only my pets can read the sign, “Ssshhhh! Mom’s presenting!” 

It’s free. Register here.