Persuasive Speakers

make their presentations audience-centered, they listen while they speak.  

How is that possible you ask?  

They listen to what their audience may be trying to tell them - verbally and non-verbally.  

Q:   Which of these signs indicate the audience may be defensive:

1.   Hand/arm gestures are small and close to their body.

2.   Minimal facial expressions.

3.   Asking a lot of questions.

4.   Physically turning their body away from you.

5.   Arms are crossed in front of body.

6.   Little or no eye contact

A:   All of them - except 3. 

Embrace #3.  If they are asking questions, they are trying to understand and possibly get on board.

If they are defensive, allow that person or the team a chance to vent.