Talking with the audience

I've been watching the Lib-Dem Conference this week. Not with any political interest but because I love the conference scene (even Party conferences) and I like to watch the presenters do their stuff. It's clear that some effective preparatory work has gone into the headlining speakers. TV doesn't show the speaker's full view of things, but eye movement patterns certainly suggested the deployment of autocue moniters at centre "circle seats" level, and probably to left and right too. As a result we saw the main presenters talking naturally with all of the audience. Much more effective than the "tennis umpire" look we see when glass projection screens are sited either side of the lectern.
And good to see the attention given to the "non-verbals." Chris Huhne and Tim Farron both comfortable to step away from the lectern and walk the stage to alter emphasis.
It's not so easy though when you're a "rank and file member." No stage rehearsal time for you....and reciting to the bathroom mirror in your hotel room is never the same. You've just got to get up there with speech in hand. Anchor yourself to the lectern and find a space to spread the pages. And hope that you remembered to write it in phrases that allow you to look up occasionally.
Of course that isn't how it has to be. Yes Tim Farron gave an excellent presentation with autocue as support. But he knew his speech. Because of that he was able to tell his story with feeling and animation, and enjoy it knowing that the prompt of autocue was there if needed. I reckon that one or two of the "unrehearsed" presenters knew their speech and could have done the same. Except that once you've got that blessed script in your hand it's hard to relax and go for it. Leave the script on your seat comrades....write out some cue cards..or a mind map. Then get up there and tell your story as it is!

Bob Howard-Spink is a partner in Persuadability. http://www.persuadability.co.uk/