Every Speaker Needs a SAM
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I was nervous. Not just my standard pre-presentation jitters. My stomach had been churning since the day before. My palms were sweaty. I felt tears welling up in my eyes before this speech. It was so unlike me, but this speech was big time important.
I felt the weight of this presentation bearing down on me like some Noreaster blizzard.
As I took the stage, I scanned the audience and that's when I saw him.
He was leaning forward and smiling at me like he just KNEW I had something important to say. Like I had the best message in the world and he was just dying to hear.
As my eyes connected with his, I could feel the corners of my mouth curl into a big, broad smile. My nerves settled down, and his kind eyes told me that I was going to rock this presentation. Even though I was a complete stranger to him, he knew my speaking success was assured.
I found my SAM.
No, his name was not SAM, but he was my…
Spectacular
Audience
Member
Every speaker needs a SAM (it doesn't matter if you're nerves are on high alert or you feel calm, cool and collected). A SAM practically guarantees that you'll up your speaking game.
SAM lets you know it's all going to be ok. In fact, it's going to be far better than ok. SAM thinks you'll rock it.
How to spot your SAM
Step 1: Take the stage, pause and scan
Too many speakers sprint on the stage and begin their presentation. To find your SAM, confidently step to the front of the room, scan the audience and take a deep breath.
Not only will this help your locate SAM, but you'll feel more calm, confident and won't start your presentation out of breath.
Step 2: The tell-tale SAM signs
Leaning forward – practically on the edge of their seat.
Smiling at you.
Making eye contact with you (instead of looking at their phone or chatting with their buddy).
He or she just glows kindness (Yep, that's abstract, but you know that face when you see it).
Most audiences have at least one SAM! If not move to step 3 (your very own backup plan).
Step 3: Create your own SAM
If you think the audience is going to be a tough crowd, create your own SAM.
Show up to the event early and mingle. The audience members you meet and chat with will be excited to see you on that stage.
Or plant a SAM in the audience. Tell a trusted friend or colleague that you're feeling a bit stressed about this presentation. Ask them to make eye contact with you and smile before you start.
Challenge: Be a SAM!
SAMs are crucial for speakers, so what I would love for you to do is to show up at every presentation prepared to be a SAM for the speaker. Be the person who is eager, smiling and already engaged before the presenter even utters one word.
As for my SAM (his name was Josh), I sought him out after my presentation and said “You are the best audience member ever?”
He looked a bit confused as he said, “Me? What was I doing?”
I described his face and how he made me feel on that stage and all he replied was “I like to give my best to everyone who speaks. It's important.”
Go out there and be a Spectacular Audience Member – your speaker will thank you!
[…] Every Speaker Needs a SAM by Michelle Mazur […]
[…] to before but by a different name – as professional speaker Dr. Michelle Mazur calls them SAMs (Spectacular Audience […]
Great article for speakers, Michelle! Find a SAM… and BE a SAM. Excellent.
~Dennis
Thank you Dennis!
I totally agree that it’s really important to give a speaker good attention. I think this should be in the job description of the organiser or the inviter, as all too often they are the ones on their phone etc. So if you are organising an event make sure there is someone there to ‘love up’ the speaker 🙂
YES – organizers have you loved your speaker today? Great advice Jane.
[…] Every Speaker Needs a SAM […]
Brilliant article. Thanks for sharing.
It happens to me most often, where I spot a person in the audience who helps me perform better. I didn’t know these are called SAMs. They indeed smile, sit at the edge of their seats, and glow kindness. You vividly described them, and linked them to the context of public speaking and how to manage stress and anxiety.
Nedt time, I will consciously look for my SAM 🙂
You’re so welcome! SAMs are awesome. They make your presentation experience brighter.
[…] Ignore the haters (because as Taylor Swift says “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate”) and laser focus on the members of the audience who are engaged and listening. If you need a boost of confidence, find your SAM (Spectacular Audience Member). […]