Ask Dr. Karen - August 29, 2006

Dear Pauline,
When you are talking to a group there should only be one person at a time asking a question. (Best to have someone with a microphone go out in the audience and ask one person at a time to talk.) If more than one asks then ask that to speak one at a time so that you can do his or her question justice. If more than one person is talking announce that you are waiting for the moment when everyone listens.

When you answer a question look at the person as you smile slightly and nod (unless it’s a sad question). You do not necessarily need to wait for them to ask another question. Nod to acknowledge the person when you finish. And then turn to the audience to respond to another question.

Use your body and eye language to single out the person you’re talking to. If you look at everyone they’ll speak out to get your attention. Identify the one person and don’t look at anyone else until you’re finished speaking

When you are presenting to a large audience you should look at one person at a time for a moment and then turn to another. You can’t give attention to everyone at the same time. You can do so one person at a time.

Does this help?
Karen