It’s two weeks ago and I’m attending a charity dinner as a member of the audience, not the speaker! The guest speaker was with an organization I held in high esteem and I was looking forward to his message. Then he began…

After 4 or 5 minutes of reciting his resume accomplishments and then telling us how the organization planned on spending some of this year’s budget on technology, he paused. I’d have to say, as I looked around the room, the audience was not keenly engaged at this point. It was at this critical moment, he appeared to remember something tangental to the prepared message, and he went off script.

Now, as my wife would be quick to point out, this is pure speculation on my part. But in my defense, I’ve seen and coached a lot of speakers in my career, and in my own personal biased opinion, I can usually tell when my speakers are going off the script with their messages.  

After his pause, he said, “I need to share a story about something that happened about a year ago just so you all can appreciate what we’re dealing with when it comes to a multi-generational workforce and our aging technology.”

He shared an amazing story in a masterful way. He had the audience listening intently and laughing at the ironies of the old and new technology aligned with the older and younger generations. It was magnificent! I couldn’t help but think to myself, “That’s your opening right there!” He did a fantastic job and that’s not just my opinion, that was the audience’s opinion too. You could see it and hear it in their body language and laughter.

The Unsolicited Coach

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, unsolicited feedback usually doesn’t end well… and I would agree! As a speaking coach, I can’t help but take mental notes on any speaker I have the pleasure to hear. Some might say I’m always “judging others” or “Russ, no one will ever want to speak in front of you!”, but I’d argue right back… you’re being a bit pessimistic. I can assure you, most of my mental notes are full of praise for what other speakers do, not criticism.

I’m always humbled by the amazing abilities of other platform speakers. I take so many notes for myself because I want to learn from them. What works with the audience? What did he do to engage the audience? How did that speaker structure the message? Why does she appear so approachable? Why do I feel so inspired right now?

Be a Positive Force

As an audience member, when I leave an event I always try to shake the speaker’s hand and share a few words. I know my words are unsolicited feedback, so I always leave them with the praise and encouragement.

Everyone out there is doing something right… you, him, her, me, all of us. When you’re in the audience, enjoy the message, enjoy the experience, and learn from it. Look for the best parts of the speaker’s delivery and remember something specific.

Then when you leave the assembly, thank the speaker and tell them specifically what they did well. “That was an amazing story you used to parallel the older and younger generation with the older and newer technology. Both the humor and the metaphor had us all engaged. Thanks for sharing that with us.”

Just dropping a “good job” or “I enjoyed your message” is okay, but it’s not as helpful to the speaker. Give them a specific example of something said and why you thought it was so good.

If speakers never get feedback on what worked, they won’t know what to include the next time they speak.

You Have the Power to Impact Future Audiences

When you give your speaker a specific piece of feedback on something that worked well, they will not only learn something about themselves, but you’ll be encouraging them to positively impact future audiences.

So, I challenge you to be a positive force for better communication! The next time you’re in the audience, listen for something done very well and then specifically share that before you leave.

See you next week,

Russ

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iSpeak teaches workshops on Professional Selling to help sales leaders gather the most important data and then use that information to create the right message. Are your sales presentations closing eyelids or deals?

Russ Peterson Jr. is the co-founder and Managing Director of iSpeak, Inc. – An award-winning professional development training company. Russ is a speaker, international trainer, and published author on Professional Sales Communication and Business Communication. He delivers workshops, keynotes, and personal communication coaching services to business professionals in the US and around the world. His leadership blog assists leaders in giving voice to their vision. You can connect with Russ directly through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.