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You’re giving your first major presentation at your new job and you notice at least half the people in the small conference room are looking at their mobile devices more than they are looking at you. How should you handle the situation

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Stay composed: Stay calm and focused on your presentation. Don't let the distraction disrupt your confidence or train of thought.

Engage your audience: Make your presentation engaging and interactive. Ask questions, use visuals, and share real-life examples to capture their attention. Encourage participation by addressing the audience directly.

Address the distraction subtly: Politely acknowledge the distraction without being confrontational. You can say something like, "I see that some of you are busy with your devices. I understand that we all have important matters, but I hope you can spare a few moments to join me in this presentation."

Keep it concise: Avoid long monologues or dense slides. Keep your presentation concise and to the point. The more engaging and relevant your content, the more likely you'll capture their attention.

Use technology: Leverage technology to your advantage. You can integrate multimedia, interactive elements, or live polls that require audience participation via their devices.

Be a dynamic speaker: Vary your tone, pace, and body language to keep the audience engaged. Maintain eye contact and move around the room if possible.

Provide handouts: Offer handouts or digital materials related to your presentation. This can encourage those who are distracted to engage with your content later.

Network during breaks: Take advantage of breaks to connect with your audience individually. Answer questions, share additional insights, and build rapport.

Request feedback: After the presentation, ask for feedback from your colleagues, including those who were distracted. This can provide valuable insights for improving future presentations.

Focus on the interested audience: While it's important to engage as many people as possible, prioritize those who are actively paying attention. Your message can still have a positive impact on them.

Remember that distractions can occur for various reasons, including work-related tasks or personal emergencies. Stay adaptable and continue to refine your presentation skills over time.

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