Here’s some great advice from John Zimmer, relevant at least because most of have smartphones and tablets are sometimes visible at our meetings. In a larger context I appreciate that I’m able to keep up easily with what’s going on at larger events such as the recent International Convention.
I especially like the first of John’s points, and I’d like to see District Officers encourage Toastmasters to share more information from TLI and District Conferences. I’m also really intrigued by the instant polling services John refers to in his fifth point, not just for audience participation but for polling a potential audience to find out what issues are of concern and interest to them.
How do you react?
Let’s be honest. There have been times when you checked your smartphone while sitting in the audience during a presentation. Maybe you were waiting for a message; maybe you were checking up on an important matter; maybe you just wanted to check the time. But you’ve done it. I know I have. It happens all the time.
A reality of modern life.
Yet for many of us, when the shoe is on the other foot—when we are the ones on stage and we look out and see people looking at their phone screens—it bothers us. It shouldn’t. We live in a digital age and if you are going to present, you are going to have to get used to seeing smartphones and tablets in the audience.
Here are some tips to help you deal with the reality of mobile devices:
1. Don’t overthink things.
You might think that people are looking at their…
View original post 727 more words
Brinker Toastmasters 