“It’s very disrespectful and distracting,” wrote Julie, “when others talk and laugh at a presentation, come in late and leave without attempting to be unobtrusive, interrupt with unrelated comments, etc. Can you address how to handle people who are acting this way at a workshop you’re attending?"Recently at a staff meeting, several very young staff people joked, whispered and laughed among themselves during a short presentation given by a new intern. She was so upset she was in tears later. This hasn’t been addressed by management, but some professional conduct tips would be great.
"I have heard this is rampant at schools and on campuses. How do you get
message of respect across?”
Poor behavior during a presentation keeps anyone from learning anything. Public speaking is not really for amateurs, and in situations like this, which are almost “learning labs” it's reprehensible to just throw a novice to wolves-- and today's multicultural audience can be “the wolves,” because there is no longer an accepted standard of behavior we can rely on. An accomplished speaker knows how to show (if not declare) what protocol is in this place, at this time, and with this person.
Until speaker can learn how to be one (see my eBook, "Speaking with Emotional Intelligence" - http://www.webstrategies.cc/ebooklibrary.html ) leader should pass around audience protocol at a staff meeting, or before a talk, and then be there to introduce newbie speaker in a way that lends her authority.
She can also announce there will be a test afterwards. People who act like children shouldn't fuss at being treat like children.
HERE ARE THE 10 RULES FOR BEING A GOOD AUDIENCE:
1. Arrive on time and take your seat.
Sit still with both feet planted on floor or legs crossed. Keep your hands below your shoulders, Minimize any movement; it’s discourteous to others.
2. Do not get up and move around during talk unless told to do so. Remain seated until presentation is over.
If you must leave to go to restroom, do not re-enter room until there is a break, or take a seat quietly at back of room.
3. Do not assume presentation is “interactive.”
While this is becoming norm – I think out of self-defense – until speaker announces an exercise or activity, or asks questions or asks for responses or audience participation, or asks you to interact with your neighbor, remain silent and attentive.
