Speaking in Kent

I am delighted that I already have three bookings to speak in Kent next year. Any speaker will soon discover that the responsiveness of audiences, especially to humour, can vary from county to county and even within them - just a few miles on the map can make a difference. It's not that these quieter audiences aren't enjoying my material - they often come up afterwards and say how much they enjoyed it and ask for my details so they can recommend me to other organisations - but of the 25 counties in which I have spoken (and I have had some great responses across a very wide area, including Eliza Doolittle's Hertfordshire, Herefordshire and Hampshire!) the dozen or so talks that I have delivered in Kent really stand out in terms of level of attendance, immediate response to my opening lines and loud laughter throughout. Do speak there if you get the opportunity.

Public Speaking Tip #16: Audiences can vary in response from region to region (and according to a number of other factors) so the trick is not to lose heart. If they seem quiet, it may be for a positive reason, for example, they may just be deep in concentration, especially if you are imparting 'how-to' information. But if you really feel you are 'losing' them, step up a gear by making your delivery even more lively, draw them back in by asking a question ('Now, does anyone remember...?') or rearrange the order of your material, if possible, by bringing forward some of the most interesting/humorous content from later on in your presentation. But you may just discover afterwards that appearances were deceptive...!