"How to Wow An Audience-Every Time" by Curtis Sittenfeld Fast Company, September 1999 By Mary Krentz

Have you ever noticed that a person's energy level is usually apparent within the first few minutes you are around that person? Is your energy level important for your job? This article explains how to get people's attention, whether you are doing a formal presentation, or having a casual conversation. To capture people's attention you don't have to become an actor, but rather you can borrow some of acting's best practices.

Curtis Sittenfeld, article writer, explains, "In an economy of more-more ads, more emails, more meetings-the only scarce commodity is attention. He went to Martha Burgess, cofounder of Theatre Techniques for Business People Inc. for some practical advice. "If you want to be persuasive, argues Burgess, you have to generate a high level of energy, without all the anxiety. It's energy that makes you visible, that gives you presence. I call it 'performance energy' and it's the basis of dynamic leadership."

Some professionals such as actors, musicians, and trial lawyers use their performance energy all the time. However, as an educator, how do you know when such energy is warranted or even appropriate? According to presentation coaches, most audiences remember less than 10% of what they hear-and more of what they see and do. Therefore, effective non-verbal language is important. One technique described in the article involves pre-editing. Choose key words-no more than two or three in a sentence. Pause either before or after these key words. Burgess explains, "That way, the audience is not swamped with words. You're doing the work for their ears. You're saying 'This is what I want you to remember'. "

Burgess also explains why it is important to have the ability to read an audience. She believes everyone has three "learning lines" (mental, emotional and physical). Learning lines are important because if you speak to people in their own language, there are more likely to understand and respond to your message. When a person's primary learning line is mental, sharing plenty of facts is an effective technique. Storytelling and personal involvement techniques best fit learners with emotional learning lines. Finally, those who prefer a physical learning line enjoy getting out of their chair and getting involved with activity. I feel it is necessary to tap into each of the learning lines to provide a well-rounded experience for everyone! I learn best when there is a combination of emotional and physical learning lines. I especially enjoy the storytelling technique.

I spoke to a few friends and asked them to describe people who express performance energy. I got varying responses. One person felt that her dental hygienist expressed performance energy. She gave a dull topic like "How to brush your teeth" new flare. Another friend spoke of his Pastor and the high level of performance energy he displays each Sunday. He explained, you could hear a pin drop when he is giving his sermon. Everyone leaves with a renewed sense of commitment. Not everyone was a member of high school or college theatre; nevertheless, I hope these simple suggestions will help you be more successful at capturing people's attention!

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2000