Presentations: Demonstrating active listening

In the blog last week, we explored some simple strategies that help manage nervousness before and during the delivery of a presentation. Today we will focus on ways to interact positively with the audience. This is primarily achieved by demonstrating active listening before responding to comments and questions from the audience.

Steps in the application of active listening techniques

Active listening is the ability to pay close attention, show interest, and provide positive responses to questions and comments from the audience. Remember, as we discussed previously, if you don’t show interest and enthusiasm for the topic, why should the audience be interested? Now, let’s

review the six key actions that demonstrate positive active listening.

Listening for total meaning

When members of the audience ask a question, focus on the communication. The first task is to fully comprehend the verbal message, or content, while the second issue is to interpret the feelings or attitude underlying the question. To emphasise active listening and focused attention, move slightly towards the speaker if possible before responding.

Responding to feelings

After listening, respond to the feelings expressed, not just the information. This demonstrates that the speaker is understood and establishes a connection based on empathy.

Focusing on non-verbal clues

During the exchange note all the non-verbal signals such as tone of voice, facial or body expressions, and fluency of speech. These combined can convey a much deeper meaning than merely the content of what was said.

Asking for further clarification

Another approach to demonstrate active listening is to ask the questioner for further clarification if the meaning is not immediately clear. However, avoid becoming trapped in either an argument or a long exchange that can bore the audience.

Involving the entire audience

With some complex or controversial questions, it can be appropriate to open the issue for comment to the wider audience.

Following up after the presentation

If a questioner was particularly focused on an issue but you were not able to respond at the time, another way to demonstrate active listening is to research the topic after the presentation and communicate the findings to the questioner.

---

Question 1

What should we do if we lose track of the question halfway through the response?

Question 2

How exactly can a presenter demonstrate empathy?

Question 3

How can we anticipate possible questions that are likely to be asked by the audience?

---

We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.