The Grace Period

Your are on - just after the PM break. It’s time to present. You have got to capture this group’s interest. And, you look out at 40 slightly bored disinterested participants who have suffered through a long day of slide presentations and little engagement. You have your work cut out for you, that is for sure. So what do you do?

Here is something so cool to know about. You have a “grace period.” Yes, that’s right, the group will give you the benefit of the doubt, hoping, (some praying) that you will involve them, capture their imagination, give them something cool to do, etc. They are on your side. They want you to succeed. Why? Because they want relief! They want to be engaged. They want you to engage them.

The kicker is that you haven’t much time. You have to grab this grace period, seize it really, and get your audience involved. What’s wonderful to know is that they will just about do anything other then focus on another slide show.

Some things you can do. Have some questions for them. If they are at tables, break them into small groups. If they are in a large audience have them pair up.

If you have clickers, use them. Get them engaged in an activity that is meaningful to them. Poll them, get their opinions, and then play off the responses. Make your points of their points. Play with them. Enjoy them and appreciate them.

Here is the bad news. You only have five minutes of grace so use it well. If you do, you will have them for the remainder of the day. Lose it and you will have a very long day. Be assured of this rule. If you equalize the risk in a group, you will always succeed. Put them at risk as much as you are. Relax in the knowledge that you have five minutes to capture their attention and captivate this audience. Believe this. It is true.