Have you ever seen someone that was really engaged in a conversation? You can tell right away – they are animated, leaning in towards the person they’re conversing with. I’m sure that you’ve experienced the opposite, as well. A person who leans away or stands stiffly as they’re talking to you often seems to be either unengaged or actually avoidant.
There’s a lesson here to be learned by those of us who find ourselves on the church platform. Anyone “up front” is in effect having a conversation with the congregation, and you definitely want that – a conversation – as opposed to someone giving a “speech.” This is true even on church livestreams, announcement videos, etc….
Not a big deal, you say? It is. Non-verbal cues are a BIG part of how we communicate. The look on our face, the use of our hands, etc… have a significant impact in shaping the true message that we are sending out. These things all have an effect and can change perception, and people react much more positively to someone talking TO them, rather than someone talking AT them…
“When people are in front of a screen, they can either lean back or lean forward. You have to engage (people) emotionally. Tell them a story so they lean in and get involved.” – Kevin Robers
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