At some networking events, a portion of the program is devoted to attendees giving brief presentations from the stage to promote themselves and their business.
Typically, the emcee invites people to line up along the sidelines to wait their turn.
This photo is of a group of engineers I coached, preparing them to bid on a lucrative project. They were hoping to be chosen from among a few other competitors. This photo is staged to show a variety of behaviors we should never allow ourselves to indulge in.
Clearly, no one is focused on the speaker. This is dismissive and rude, and sabotages the opportunity to make a good impression to anyone who might be watching. The fact is, people will be watching you, whether or not you are speaking.
Here is what to do while waiting your turn
- Empty your pockets ahead of time to avoid bulkiness and jingling keys and coins.
- Stand up straight and do not lean against the wall.
- Actively pay attention to the person who is speaking. It’s OK to shift your glance to see how the audience is responding, but then turn back to the speaker.
- Require of yourself that you look interested.
- Avoid speaking to your neighbors.
- Do not look at your phone or your note cards.
- If there is applause for each speaker, enthusiastically join in.
These behaviors will give you a powerful advantage that may turn the tide in your favor.
