Tips for Better Speaking

Free article no. 91

HOW TO GET A GROUP TO PAY ATTENTION

by J.A. Gamache

Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking

It's not always easy to quiet down a large group engrossed in conversation. Here are three simple techniques for getting a crowd's attention.

You've seen this a million times. Someone steps up to the microphone and says, "May I have your attention, please."

Since no one is really listening, the person repeats the same request over and over again. Finally, some audience members get fed up and come to the rescue by shushing the other participants, that is, if the speaker himself doesn't beat them to it!

There are far more efficient techniques to get a group's attention. Here are three techniques that I use regularly.

1-GREET THE GROUP AND WAIT

Position yourself where everyone can see you, and say with a loud voice, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," then shut up. After a few seconds, repeat, "Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen," smile, wait a few seconds more, and then begin speaking. Don't wait for complete silence before you start your presentation, because then you may appear arrogant and authoritarian.

Begin your address by talking about some inconsequential matter, since the first sentences you'll say may not be understood by the people who are still talking. When you feel that you have most people's attention, go ahead with your message. At any rate, if what you're saying is interesting, those who are listening will quiet down those who are not.

2- BEGIN BY SINGING

If it's the right occasion, you could begin by singing a song, and then you invite the audience to sing along. If the song is well known and the audience is in a festive mood, you'll get most people's attention within a matter of seconds! Then immediately begin with your presentation.

3- MAKE IT A GAME

In your normal tone, say, "If you can hear my voice, clap your hands once," and then clap once. Then say, "If you can hear my voice, clap your hands twice," and then clap twice.

Continue with, "If you can hear my voice, clap your hands three times," and so on until you have most people's attention.

I rarely had to go up to number five before getting the audience's attention. Furthermore, once the audience understands the principle, you'll get them to quiet down even faster the next few times.

These techniques may not be appropriate for every occasion, so it's up to you to judge when to use them. With practice you'll find the one that suits you best. They are pleasant ways to get a group's attention without having to beg for it.

Happy speech!