Public Speaking: Seating Tips

=> People prefer to sit by aisles. Avoid chairs next to walls. Audience members will feel trapped.

=> Aisles should get bigger as they get nearer the exits because they must accommodate more people.

=> Seat for least distraction and best focus on presentation. Turn off wall sconces behind the presentation. Set away from open windows, clocks, and entry doors.

=> Even after you have pre-set the seats perfectly, suggest to audience members, that they adjust their seating slightly for comfort.

=> Encourage seating in the front of the room by cordoning off back rows with masking tape, rope, or string, or placing reserved signs on back tables.

=> Avoid reserving seats through tipping chairs up against tables. The jutting legs tend to bruise shin bones and tripa udience members.

Trick: Only put out 50-75 percent of the chairs for the expected number of participants and you will almost always have a packed house. Stack the rest of the chairs in the back corner of the room for easy access if needed.

Trick: When you have a choice, opt for a smaller room. This again gives you a better chance for a packed house.

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