Comments on: 6 things every author can do to captivate an event audience

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:47:05 +0000

In reply to Maria João Carrilho. What would you like to hear about? Sandy

By: Maria João Carrilho

Maria João Carrilho — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:30:09 +0000

Thanks for the tips. I´m a Portuguese writer of novels and short stories .

Hoping to hearing from you 🙂

By: Betsy Graziani Fasbinder

Betsy Graziani Fasbinder — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:30:40 +0000

In reply to Sandy Kegel. Hi Sandy. I think it’s often less important which part of a story to read (other than spoilers, of course) than it is that we select a piece that gives the flavor of the story, engages on an emotional level, and piques the liteners’ curiosity leaving them wanting more. If this can be the first pages of the book, that’s great. But if your selection comes a bit later in the story and requires very little set-up, but tees up the premise of the story in an intriguing way, that can work as well. Also, a taste is better than a banquet. Readings that are on the shorter side are easier for keeping the attention from a read-aloud audience.

By: Elaine Cougler

Elaine Cougler — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 13:33:46 +0000

Great article! I love public speaking but I can always learn more tricks. The idea is to captivate my audience, for sure!

By: Sandy Kegel

Sandy Kegel — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 03:06:48 +0000

Great tips! Thanks for sharing. Do you have an tips about WHAT part of a story to share/read in book launches or readings? I’d appreciate that tidbit of info!

By: Flora M. Brown

Flora M. Brown — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 08:50:42 +0000

Sandy, Love these tips, especially #2. Thanks for keeping us up to speed with what works.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:27:43 +0000

In reply to Mimi Schroeder.

I’m so happy you like Betsy’s advice, Mimi! Please feel free to share the link to the post with your author network so Betsy reaches more people with her wisdom.

Sandy

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:26:41 +0000

In reply to Terry Shames. Thanks for that excellent tip, Terry! I'm going to watch professional speakers more closely now to see if I can identify this. Sandy

By: Terry Shames

Terry Shames — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:59:46 +0000

All good tips. For some reason, the minute I was published, I had absolutely no trouble speaking to crowds as big as 500 people. One trick I learned from a “pro” was to keep an imaginary basketball in your hands. When you make a point, use your hands to “throw” the basketball outwards, opening your hands in the process, and then receive the basketball back. I’ve seen speakers do this who don’t even know the basic concept–they do it naturally. It gives you something to do with your hands and makes you look and feel interactive with the audience.

By: Mimi Schroeder

Mimi Schroeder — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:34:32 +0000

Fantastic tips! Every author would benefit by reading this.