unately, the audience members who commented--and I'm sure had interesting and valuable insights--sat and spoke in a conversational tone one would use in a one-on-one discussion. "If a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one there to hear it, did it make any noise?" That was one of the great philosophical issues we used to think about in school. The answer is that the answer depends on how you define noise.

But my question to you as speakers is, "If you make a comment, and no one can hear you, what was the point of speaking?" And here the answer is clearer. There was no point, except to hear yourself talk.

I was reminded of this recently at a seminar. Over a hundred people packed into a room with only one microphone, a stationary one mounted on the lectern. For the most part the discussion leader spoke into the mike and could be heard by all in the room. Unfortunately, the audience members who commented--and I'm sure had interesting and valuable insights--sat and spoke in a conversational tone one would use in a one-on-one discussion. T

answer is that the answer depends on how you define noise.

But my question to you as speakers is, "If you make a comment, and no one can hear you, what was the point of speaking?" And here the answer is clearer. There was no point, except to hear yourself talk.

I was reminded of this recently at a seminar. Over a hundred people packed into a room with only one microphone, a stationary one mounted on the lectern. For the most part the discussion leader spoke into the mike and could be heard by all in the room. Unfortunately, the audience members who commented--and I'm sure had interesting and valuable insights--sat and spoke in a conversational tone one would use in a one-on-one discussion.

eaking?" And here the answer is clearer. There was no point, except to hear yourself talk.

I was reminded of this recently at a seminar. Over a hundred people packed into a room with only one microphone, a stationary one mounted on the lectern. For the most part the discussion leader spoke into the mike and could be heard by all in the room. Unfortunately, the audience members who commented--and I'm sure had interesting and valuable insights--sat and spoke in a conversational tone one would use in a one-on-one discussion.

room with only one microphone, a stationary one mounted on the lectern. For the most part the discussion leader spoke into the mike and could be heard by all in the room. Unfortunately, the audience members who commented--and I'm sure had interesting and valuable insights--sat and spoke in a conversational tone one would use in a one-on-one discussion. unately, the audience members who commented--and I'm sure had interesting and valuable insights--sat and spoke in a conversational tone one would use in a one-on-one discussion. They could not be heard, except by those sitting near them.

Here are three lessons:

1. Have a microphone for the audience to use. If that is not possible, then,
2. As the speaker you should briefly summarize each comment so that all would know the essense of what was said. Failing that,
3. You as the audience member should stand up, face the major part of the audience, and increase your volume.

These are simple, common sense, easy to do techniques that make a big difference in the effectiveness of the experience. Unfortunately, basic techniques are often overlooked. Remind yourself periodically throughout your presentation that you want the audience to