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While I watched our client pediatric dentist Dr. Lee Weinstein speak to a large group of kids at a community center, I realized even top business executives could learn a lot by watching him.
- Prepare for guests who arrive early. Some kids arrived before Dr. Weinstein and his staff finished setting up his presentation. Be ready to juggle hooking up your laptop to a projector while also talking with early arrivals in their seats.
- Practice small talk. Some kids showed up early, but others arrived a while later. Be ready to engage guests in quality and humorous small talk while waiting for the ballroom tables to fill up.
- Bring props. The kids loved Dr. Weinstein’s gadgets from his office. Show your guests some shiny and fun gadgets to make faces light up.
- Some kids were overly eager to volunteer as his helpers for demonstrations. Asking for volunteers from the audience is a great way to promote interaction.
- Some kids were talkative, forcing the dentist and his staff to politely say “shhh!” Adult audiences may not talk, but you better find a way to drag their faces away from their smartphones and Facebook.
- Dr. Weinstein asked one kid a question, but she was shy and turned away. Realize that despite your efforts to interact with your audience, some people don’t want the attention. Casually move on without creating an awkward moment.
- His staff couldn’t get the community center’s TV to play a Sesame Street DVD. Test all equipment with plenty of time to spare.
- Smile! The kids loved Dr. Weinstein’s smiley, bubbly personality. Don’t be a stick in the mud or talk like a dry professor lecturing a class.