“There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul.”

– Arnold Bennett (1867-1931)

Ask yourself, “What is the audience feeling?” and “How would I like him/her to feel?” You need to be aware of:

How frequently you use positive emotional words.


How you moderate the use of negative emotional words.

Here are some ways that you can help your audience interact with each other.

• Room set-up. Be sure people face each other so they can talk to each other. Use round tables, rather than theatre or classroom style.
  

• Don’t permit cliques. Get your participants to sit with new people. Be innovative in your approach to seat people differently. Some examples: Use a colorful post it, group by hair color, or place cards.
  

• Use icebreakers. You can ask your audience to say a word that describes their week. Give them something else to talk about other than business when the meeting breaks.
  

• Setup small groups or dyads to discuss issues. This technique will get your participants to brainstorm with their partner or group.
  

Coaching point: Forced interaction engages people. What can be more fun?

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Sandra Schrift 13 year speaker bureau owner and now career coach to emerging and veteran public speakers who want to "grow" a profitable speaking business. I also work with business professionals and organizations who want to master their presentations.

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