Or what to do when someone in the audience starts chattering
This technique is called Resting Face. When I notice whispering or chatting during the talk, I stop mid-sentence and look into the space just above their heads. No judgement on my face. Miraculously, a complete attention is always back, even with a difficult audience.
That time I faced my most difficult audience
I felt its true power while training IKEA employees on new sales software. I dreaded meeting one particular team – the kitchen department. They were infamous for talking over and challenging whomever the speaker was. Even their manager struggled to command their attention – she had to raise her voice, guilt-tripping them into paying attention («how could you behave this way in front of your manager and Sergei here?»), and even knock on the table.
«No matter what happens, don’t try to make them behave, alright?»,- I told her before the session. «Okay».
Soon after I took over the «battle» began: chatter, jokes, you name it. But you don’t want to confront the audience, as it’ll start fighting even harder. Instead, I stopped mid-sentence and turned on the «Resting face». I was looking at a single point on the wall, zero movement.
In a few moments the more agreeable fell silent. As they grew more uncomfortable they shushed the lead troublemakers. The silence was back! My heart was pounding – it felt like ten minutes, but in reality, it was maybe a minute.
Each time whispers resumed, I did the same thing again, but it would take less and less time to work. Eventually, fellow bullies started policing each other: «Come on, man, shut up already».
The moment the attention was back, I picked up where I left off as if nothing happened – no scolding, no hard feelings.
Bonus tip
This technique works best if used after establishing eye contact in the beginning of the talk. Read how I do it in this short article.
Stay in touch
In case of emergency rehearsal text me on LinkedIn.
