When Speaking in Front of an Audience - It is Important to be Seen
Lighting is very important when it comes to presenting humor. So much of humor can come from your facial expressions. If the audience can’t see your face, you lose that impact on your humor. It is very important to arrive early so you can check out the lighting where you will be speaking. If you are speaking to a very large audience the room might have a spotlight. Make sure they try it out with you on the podium or stage so that you can get used to the spotlight glaring at you. A spotlight can really throw off an inexperienced speaker when they walk out in front of the audience and they can’t see anyone in the audience. I have known experienced comedians and speakers who were so blinded by the spotlight that they couldn’t see below them and stepped out a little too far and right off state.
The room may just have regular house lights shining down from the ceiling. There may be better spots on the podium than others. Walk around and try to determine the best place to stand so your face can be seen from the audience.
Check for back lighting. If there is too much light shining from behind, you will be a silhouette. Try and get those lights turned off. You do not want your audience squinting to see you. I have had to give presentations where there were glass windows behind me. The sun shining in is just as distracting. Windows behind you can also create another problem. As nice as a backdrop of a golf course, pool, or mountains might be, when you are there to give a presentation it is important to make it as easy as possible for the audience to focus on you, the presenter.
March 23rd, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Good Morning George,
I just spoke to Tulara yesterday - she sounded so chipper that I asked if she was swinging from the chandeliers again! She answered no, but could she wear a lampshade on her head? I replied, “Only if I can join you!” Yes, indeed, laughter is the best medicine.
In April, my two young friends (Tulara and Edna) and I are going to see Earl Turner and I am taking them to dinner prior to the show. I can’t wait to see them both, it’s been far too long.
Hope you are well and, yes, one day I will make a T/M meeting.
Until then, take care of yourself.
Warm regards,
Sonia