Weblog

Apr 6, 08:27 pm: Presenter tips

Years ago, I did some standup comedy. It had nothing to do with nonprofits or with technology and everything to do with being a writer and living in Los Angeles, CA.

At that time, I learned — because I was told and because comedy audiences aren’t as kind as conference attendees — to stand up. Don’t sit down. Don’t stay in one place. Stand up and involve your body in the presentation. If you want to project to the room, it isn’t just about speaking loud or using a microphone. It’s about using your body to project your attitude, which had better be enthusiastic.

Stand up and move and imagine that you are trying to keep the attention of a five year old. You have to gesture. You have to change their voice. You have to keep them from looking off at the bird that’s tweeting outside the window.

tagged: , ,

Marnie Webb  | 

Comments made

  1. Candace

    I couldn’t agree with you more. I was at a meeting this week for people who will be presenting at a high school social justice forum. I was among a crowd of academics who are used to giving power point lectures (i.e. dullsville) and I can only imagine how they’ll hold the attention of the 16 year-olds. I’m hoping the radical cheerleading workshop my group is doing will keep them engaged. ;)


    Apr 7, 05:41 am

  2. Michael Stein

    I’ve been thinking about this since your web2.0 presentation at NTC… you really generated a lot of enthusiasm… I led mine seated and constrained and didn’t like it half as much.


    Apr 9, 02:30 pm