By Chance: A Simple Technique to Enhance Audience Interaction

Presenting Soon? Here’s a Simple Technique to Enhance Audience Interaction (and Reduce Imposter Syndrome)

As a presentation coach for PhD candidates, I often emphasize the importance of engaging with the audience. Whether it’s at conferences, in the classroom, or during their own promotions, effective interaction can make a significant difference. One powerful technique to foster this engagement is through polling the audience.

However, traditional polling questions like “How many of you have heard of X?” or “Who here knows what Y is?”, and “Who has read any articles/books by person Z?” can sometimes backfire. Audience members who can’t raise their hands might start feeling underinformed, or even slip into imposter syndrome, doubting their place among their peers.

To mitigate this, I recommend a simple yet effective tweak: add the words “by chance” to your questions. This small change can significantly reduce the likelihood of anyone feeling embarrassed or out of place.

For example:

• “How many of you have by chance heard of X?”
• “Who here by chance knows what Y is?”
• “Who has by chance read any articles/books by person Z?”

By framing questions this way, you create a more inclusive atmosphere. Audience members are less likely to feel judged for their lack of knowledge and more likely to participate openly. This approach not only boosts their confidence but also enhances the overall engagement and interaction during your presentation.

Remember, the goal is to make your audience feel comfortable and valued. By incorporating this simple technique, you can increase the chances that your audience will happily engage with you.