Eliot Spitzer Runs for Comptroller TJ Walker talks about what you can learn from Spitzer.
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If your best friend betrays you in your time of need, you say "he turned his back on me!" Indeed, the very act of turning your back to someone's face is widely seen as an act of betrayal (or at least rudness).
So what is the first thing many presenters do when giving a PowerPoint presentation? They literally turn their backs to their audience. Why does the presenter do this? To read the slides. This is a fiasco for many reasons.
A study at UCLA in the early 70's proved that 93% of what is communicated during a presentation comes not from the words spoken, but from facial expressions, posture, hand movement, head movement, eye movement, voice tone and other body language. The second you turn your back to your audience you instantly destroy 93% of your abilities to communicate with people.
Don't do it!
Anytime you are talking, you should be engaged in direct eye contact with an audience member. This way you can use every element of your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
The only time you should turn your back on your audience, and I mean the ONLY time, is the second you flash up a new screen and you have stopped talking (this is right after you have introduced the concepts people are about to see displayed on the screen).
If a screen is so incredibly complex that you find yourself with a laser pointer wading through it for half and hour, this is usually a good indication that your slide is too complex and needs to be revised.
Make sure your audience can see your entire face and body every second you are speaking. That way, you and your message will make the best lasting impression.
~ TJ Walker
2 SHORT VIDEO
LESSONS OF THE DAY
AUDIO
LESSON OF THE DAY
Great leaders know little is accomplished by dumping facts. Often analogies and metaphors are more powerful.
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