I was in attendance at a function the other day that included a guest speaker. She was wonderful. She had me and everyone in attendance absolutely attentive and engaged. She was topical, self-depreciating, funny and warm. The package.
She told story after story….after story….after story. She told stories to the point that one by one we all went from deft attention to looking at watches, phones, fingernails, the floor, anything but her. It was one of those “maybe if we don’t make eye contact she’s get the collective hint that as enjoyable as this has been we all really have other things to do” moments.
It’s a little like fine dining versus chain restaurants. With most fine dining the portions are just enough that you’re thinking, “wow, just one more bite would be perfect” but realize at the end of the multiple small courses you’re very comfortably full as opposed to most American restaurant chains where you might as well order a doggy bag when you place your order (or should anyway). You waddle out regretting the deep fried appetizer before the Jethro Bodine sized main dish.
Any time we know we have control of our audience we want to capture the moment and make it last. But like those incredible small fine dining courses it’s always better to leave ‘em wanting just a little bit more.
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