How to keep the attention of a large audience?

A conversational tone is used in talking with another fellow. It won’t keep his attention very long, however. His mind wanders sooner or later. Finally he interrupts with a thought of his own, proving that normal tone and volume are inadequate.

Since a normal speaking voice isn’t enough to keep the interest of one person, it certainly won’t keep the interest of a group. Yet the novice speaker uses a conversational tone before an audience. He talks as if only one or two people were listening. Before long there are only one or two people listening. The others have lost interest! To keep the attention of a group, the speaker must project himself. He must extend his personality. His voice and his words must be strongly planted in the far corners of the room. He must leave his “shell” to capture the imagination of the people sitting in the last row.

This is done through dramatics, particularly voice projection. A professional trainer said, “Anyone who wants to speak convincingly before large audiences must learn voice projection. You absolutely cannot be forceful without it.”

How a speaker can project his voice?

Anyone can project his voice by using greater volume. He concentrates on the people in the rear of the room. If they can get the message, everyone can. He depends less on the public address system, backing away from the mike to avoid deafening the audience. His words are spoken more slowly than usual. He forces out phrases and sentences as if they’re the product of profound thought. He’s both deliberate and distinct.

The tone of his voice is higher than usual. Yet it’s far from shrill. Speaking from the chest instead of his throat, he produces a robust quality. His talk becomes a declaration. When he really gets hot, it sounds like an ultimatum!

When to use voice projection?

Voice projection should always be used with groups exceeding 50 people. It helps overrule distractions. The speaker becomes more dynamic, more penetrating. Each member of the audience feels that the message is more personal is intended for him. It’s like magic!

A good example of voice projection can be found at the national political conventions. The politicians really extend their voices! Instead of starting with, “Mr. Chairman,” they say, “M-I-S-T-E-R C-H-A-I-R-M-A-NM” When arranging a large sales meeting, show your speakers how to project their voices. Have them try out under your supervision. All practice efforts should be without benefit of a p.a. system, because this will condition the speakers to use ample volume.

Advise them to “let go!” The speaking platform is no place for self-restraint.

How to use speakers to best advantage

* Minimize the Amount of Speaking
* Select the Right Speakers
* Rotate Speaking Assignments
* Schedule Short Talks Instead of Long Ones
* Place Your Strongest Speakers at Crucial Spots
* Keep the Subjects in Logical Sequence
* Produce a Change of Pace Get Your Speakers to Prepare Help Those Who Will Accept It
* Assist in Reducing Fear Encourage Voice Projection

Keywords: Sales, Marketing, Business, Sales Training

Tags: sales meeting

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