Hospitality from the Lectern
“If the light shining on you is brighter than the light shining from within you, you are in trouble.”
Chris Pratt, Jonathan & Jesus, Episode Three
The challenge for every authentic speaker is to remember that she is not the center of attention. She is the hostess and the audience is her guest. As with any hostess, hospitality is the key to a memorable gathering. The successful speaker steps away from the spotlight, dims it, and then warmly creates an welcoming ambiance in which the audience feels appreciated and encouraged.
As one who enjoys public speaking, and enjoys teaching public speaking, I tend to have two operating systems running when I am attending speaking events. One the one hand, I am a typical audience member waiting to be entertained and encouraged by the speaker; but I observe the overall presentation for my personal growth. My musings frequently revolve around the speaker, the message, the audience. In recent months, I have concentrated on the speaker-audience connection. What works? What does not work? Why? I listened to two speeches on two consecutive days. The significance of the two incidents was the drastic approaches and results.
The first speaker welcomingly launched into a personal story with a bit of self-deprecating humor. The audience laughed. He moved into his introduction and gradually shifted to the points of the presentation. Acknowledging that his second point was abstract, he illustrated it by comparing it to an event from the 1970’s. The speaker, obviously too young to have lived through the event, clearly connected with the older members in the crowd. Many individuals nodded their heads in knowing recollection. He connected with these individuals by researching an incident many had experienced. For the benefit of the younger people, he shared the story. Later, he peppered his points with on-trend slang. While younger members tittered, he courteously translated for the older members. Throughout the presentation, the speaker remained connected with the audience by varying his tone for the micro-audiences within the larger gathering. He was an excellent host from the lectern.
The second speaker failed. After prattling his achievements and qualifications, he advised the audience he was there to help the group succeed. Although a few audience members nodded, most remained stiff and unmoving. He promptly identified two areas where these individuals were succeeding. The encouragement fell flat when he moved to the next area. Failure was his focus. The speaker asked audience members to raise their hands if they were involved in one particular program. While hands were still in the air, he targeted the others, “For those with your hands down, why are you not involved?” Tension filled the air. Hands nervously descended and members sheepishly avoided one another’s glances. Oblivious to the division he had created with audience members, the speaker challenged everyone to pick up the pace and get involved. He distributed his business cards, gathered his notes, and sat down. The room was silent.
Each speaker had an important message for the audience. I believe each speaker genuinely desired to help the audience. I empathize with each speaker. After all, I have metaphorically stood behind each of those two lecterns. Regrettably, I have been the second speaker more often than I really want to admit. I have basked in the spotlight at the expense of my audience. I was a demanding delivery person rather than a host of hospitality. Subsequently, some of my messages have fallen short. I hurt when I want to help.
Most people who step behind the lectern authentically have an inclination to serve the audience. However, many times we fall short. This simple remedy is to remember hospitality from the lectern. The audience has graciously given the speaker it’s presence and attention. As the hostess, the successful speaker appreciates every moment with her audience. She greets. She serves. She delights. When she heartfeltly connected the audience, she shares. Hospitality from the lectern stirs and inspires the audience.
