Now, I did not realize this until my wife, who was in the audience, shared her observations with me after the session. As a presentation skills coach she was used to observing audience response and presenter performance.
As an artist and instructor my focus is mainly on drawing or painting a picture while others watched during the lecture portions of my classes or workshops. I had not thought about how the connection to my audience was lost when I “spoke to the visual “rather than the audience.
My wife taught me a simple, yet powerful, tip that I want to share with other people who may be talking to their art or drawings. The tip is TOUCH, TURN AND TALK.
Be SILENT when you draw a part of the image or drawing. Then TOUCH the image or drawing TURN to your audience and then TALK. Â The results can make a profound connection with your audience.
When you are talking to your visual your energy is directed to the visual and not the audience. Believe it or not, your audience wants to have the full multimedia experience. That means watching your gestures and facial expressions at the same time they are absorbing the information on your chart drawing or painting.
Turning to talk with your audience will also help you to see their facial expressions. You may decide to ask them questions or take questions from them about your technique or information you are sharing.
So now my goal is to be quiet when I am drawing and save my talking for my audience and not my chart board.
Sound easy? Well, actually it is but it takes PRACTICE. So give this simple , yet cutting edge technique, a try.
What a wonderful site! I love the variety of postings you have and am inspired to create my own DVD story. Every entry is a gem! Also, this posting about connecting with your audience is very helpful. I liked your approach and will use it when speaking to my own audiences.
GREAT JOB!
LOOKING GOOD!
HEY, I WANT A BLOG!