I can’t think of a more rewarding endeavor than to capture the imagination and attention of an audience and to have a positive impact on the lives of people. What a thrill it is to see in the “faces” of those in front of me and to receive their feedback through non-verbal communication the affirmation that “they get it” and are intrigued, encouraged, inspired to take (at some level) action or behavior change.
At the same time, I can’t imagine anything more frustrating, discouraging, or disappointing than to witness a level of apathy that some in the audience bring with them into the lecture venue. Given my same level of effort and commitment to deliver, the reception by some boarders at best a sense of disinterest and at worst contempt.
In the past I’ve labeled audience members into three categories.
A. Prisoners …. Those attendees who were forced to attend e.g. students by their teachers or parents, employees by their employer or boss etc. They will put in “their time” of incarceration in the auditorium but,” just try and teach me something. It will not happen because I’m an unwilling prisoner.”
B. Visitors – This group is generally kind, fun and willing to “be present”. After all, “what else have I got to do and I’ll have the opportunity to hangout with others.” Not much intentionality to think or behave differently, but a willingness to go along to get along.
C. Learners – These are the ones who enter the environment with the expectation to learn something and at least consider the topic worth the exchange of their personal time in attendance. They enter the room with a sense of willingness to discover and grow personally or professionally.
This past several weeks has reminded me that I can’t reach them all and that the different levels of response by participants may or may not be personal, cultural bias, behavioral tendencies, or any number of reasons that have nothing to do with me.
An honest subjective evaluation on my part of the total audiences I’ve been privileged to address would break down in 10% prisoners, 40% visitors and 50% learners. My hope is I moved some from the visitor’s column to learners.
For those who have the awesome responsibility to teach, preach, lecture, here are a few reminders to share with you as I remind myself each time I stand before a group.
1. It’s MY responsibility to capture the audience. It is their time they’re granting to me and I should honor that by establishing the “So what?” Why should I (as an attendee) care about the subject matter.” My job is not to entertain. For some that might be the motive or task, but not for me. My job is to provide some relevance to the lives of people.
2. Just regurgitating information is not
only boring, at its core useless. The brain gathers information and then
senses, imagines, feels, thinks, and then behaves. It’s the behaving part that
we as instructors must guide our audiences to answer the question “Now What?”
Practical application will cause people
to say, “that was worthwhile because I have an idea how to proceed with this
knowledge.
”
3. As a follower of “The Way”, I am reminded that
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” Colossians 3:23-24
I’m most grateful for the opportunity to do what I do..Seeing the positive reactions of many is rewarding and humbling, but more importantly I’m dedicated to an audience “of one” as I strive to..
Finish Well
