To read or not to read - handouts

I watched a video yesterday of a speaker who gave a handout during his talk. As he pointed out content in the handout, he asked for the audience's attention and said, "I hate to have people reading while I'm speaking . . . "

Well, if you hate to have people reading while you're speaking, either:

1) give the handout and stop speaking while they read it

or

2) don't give the handout until the end.

You can't have it both ways. When a piece of paper is in front of a person, she is going to read it. You cannot give a handout and then say, "don't read this." Human nature is to be curious - people are going to want to read the piece of paper. That's just the way we are.

So make a choice and stick with it. And don't blame your audience for your own mistake.

____________________________________________________
Are you an entrepreneur or professional who's looking for better results from your speaking? Are you hoping to build credibility and visibility for your business or cause? Tired of just "getting by" and ready to deliver truly engaging and powerful presentations? Click here to learn about 1:1 coaching with me!