Set foot in any retail establishment this time of year, and you’re promptly reminded of Valentine’s Day. Red and pink dominate décor, candy conversation hearts reappear, and boxed Valentines pile up near the checkout.
Valentine’s Day isn’t exclusive to romantic love. Rather, it’s a great reminder that we should up the love ante in all parts of our lives.
Have a presentation coming up? Try these 3 simple ways to show your audience some love through engagement and discussion.
1. Ask open-ended questions. This love business isn’t a one-way street, so show the audience they matter with thoughtfully posed questions. Specifically, ask questions that begin with “what,” “how,” “why” and “in what ways” to create discussion.
2. Pause. The Supremes were right – you can’t hurry love. Participants need time to process your questions, think about their answers and decide if they should speak up in front of their peers.
3. Acknowledge responses. We humans crave recognition and validation. Reinforce participation by acknowledging it. “Thank you.” “That is an interesting point.” or “Tell me more about that.” Showing the love in this way creates a safe and comfortable environment for your audience.
Perhaps now more than any time in recent history, this world of ours needs love. Start a positive ripple effect by showing your next audience the love with these 3 easy steps.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, and to show you the amore, here are a few of our favorite musings on love:
“The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” – Bertrand Russell
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz
