Have you ever looked out at the audience while you were speaking and seen someone whose expression looks like they’re thinking, “Why did I ever come here, and why is this person talking”?
I have. I can be at the top of my game, getting nods, smiles, and laughs from the rest of the audience, and this person’s face will snag my attention like a thorn.
What do I do next? How do I keep going and not be distracted by the thought that I have ruined this person’s day?
I’ll tell you. It’s very simple. I think to myself, “Oh my gosh, that poor person. They are clearly having a major gastrointestinal issue!,” and I keep going.
There is no advantage to getting distracted by the mean face. Chances are very good that the face has nothing to do with you and what you’re saying, and even if it does, you shouldn’t change what you’re doing to accommodate that one expression.
Stay the course. Focus your energy on the people who are following you, smiling, and engaged.
