Recognising When You’re Losing the Room (and How to Engage Your Audience in a Presentation)
We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a meeting, pitch, or presentation, and suddenly you can feel the energy shift. People stop leaning in. Eyes glaze over. Someone checks their phone. In short, you’re losing the room, and you start wondering how to engage your audience in a presentation when things don’t go to plan.
It’s a terrifying moment, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster. In fact, it can become a turning point in how you connect with your audience. The key lies in knowing how to engage your audience in a presentation when things aren’t going to plan.
The Power of “Labelling”
One simple yet powerful tool for regaining the room is something called labelling.
Labelling is the idea that, when you want to reconnect with people, you name the emotion you sense they’re feeling. Instead of ploughing on with your slides or script, you stop – and deal with the moment.
It’s as simple as starting with:
“It feels like…”
For example, imagine you’re delivering a pitch and notice that a key decision-maker looks sceptical. Instead of ignoring it, you pause and say:
“I’m just going to stop for a second, it feels like you may not be fully on board with this plan.”
You don’t need to have the perfect comeback prepared. Rather, the point is to acknowledge the energy in the room. Then, listen. Let them speak. Let them feel heard.
This does two things:
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It shows you’re paying attention.
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It proves you care about their perspective.
That’s what it means to know how to connect with your audience – by recognising their emotions in real time.
Why Labelling Works
Human beings have a universal need to feel seen and understood. When your audience feels you’ve acknowledged their emotions, you create trust. As a result, the tension dissolves and people re-engage – often leaning in more than before.
That’s why labelling is one of the quickest ways to re-engage an audience in a presentation or performance. It shifts the dynamic from “me talking at you” to “us having a conversation.”
Use Labelling Beyond Presentations
The beauty of labelling is that it isn’t limited to high-stakes pitches or performances. In fact, it works in everyday interactions too.
Meeting someone new? Try simple statements such as:
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“You look like you’re having a good day.”
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“You seem busy.”
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“You seem happy today.”
These observations immediately open a door for connection. Therefore, instead of small talk, you create genuine engagement.
Final Thoughts: How to Engage Your Audience in a Presentation
So, the next time you feel you’re losing the room, don’t panic. Pause. Label the emotion you sense. Listen. And watch how the energy shifts.
Remember, connecting with your audience or giving an engaging presentation isn’t about flawless delivery or slick slides. It’s about making people feel understood. Consequently, when you do that, you transform moments of disconnect into opportunities for deeper connection.
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