The View From the Front of the Room

Anyone who has done any training, teaching or speaking in front of a group of people will tell you that you can size up a group pretty quickly.

As a trainer in professional skills and business etiquette I am in front of all sizes of groups quite regularly. And I am often surprised by what I learn from the view at the front of the room.

Some people come in very eager and willing to learn something new or brush up on skills that they already possess. They introduce themselves in a pleasant manner and take their seats. However, there are those who come with a chip on their shoulder and are pretty indignant about having to attend. I think they consider being asked to attend business etiquette training as somewhat of an insult to their capabilities. And that response is ironic to me, because these are often the people who need the training the most.

As a child I was told by my parents and teachers that the people who had the floor deserved your undivided attention. Even if you didn’t like what was being said you needed to keep still and quiet. Advice I still subscribe to today, when I am in an audience.

Like actors on a stage, speakers can feel the energy in a room. Sometimes, that’s good energy and sometimes it can be bad energy. Facial expressions, body language and today, the number of times people check their personal electronic devises can let you know whether you are capturing their attention and if they are buying into what you are saying.

There are those people who will come into the room and take the last seat in the last row of the room. That says to me that they really don’t want to be there and they don’t want to engage with you or the rest of the group. And they are usually the people who are the first ones out the door when I finish.

There are certain courtesies that should be observed anytime you are in a situation where someone else is speaking, presenting, or performing. Here is my list of things to do.

• Do arrive in plenty of time to get situated and comfortable before the speaker begins.

• Do fill in from the front of the room and sit next to someone you don’t know. Some situations can be great networking opportunities.

  Do let the speaker know (if possible) if you have to leave before they are finished so they don’t think you are walking out on them. And if you do leave early, consider leaving during one of the breaks so as not to cause a distraction for others.

• Do give them your undivided attention. Silence your mobile devices and try to check messages and e-mail at the scheduled break times. Speakers can see you checking messages and it can be distracting and perceived as disinterest. And it is rude.

• Do try to take care of any necessities during the scheduled breaks and before sitting down for any meal that may be included in the day. Of course, emergencies are excluded.

• Do ask questions if you are invited to do so. The interaction is encouraging. Speakers learn from your questions, too.

• Do be respectful and don’t try to show up the speaker. Nothing worse than having a show off or an argumentative person in the audience. And don’t chit-chat with the person next to you.

• Do be careful not to monopolize the speaker with your questions during a session. Consider speaking with the trainer after the session if they make themselves available to you.

• Do thank the speaker after they are finished if they make themselves available. They like to know that you appreciate their time and expertise.

• Do keep an open mind. Most of us can learn some new tidbit that will be of benefit, even if we feel we know the subject matter well.

• Do let your boss know you appreciated them paying the fee for your attendance. Not all companies are very willing to pay for ongoing training.

So, the next time you are in an audience be attentive to the messages you may be sending the speaker. You might be surprised.