Presentation Success Tip: Empty Chairs

Last Updated on Thursday, 30 July 2015 12:57 Written by Pam Chambers Tuesday, 26 July 2011 10:02

Why should you remove empty chairs?

Let’s say that you’re speaking to a group of 27 people, and three random chairs are empty. Why should you remove them? (Or better yet, ask a helpful assistant to move them?)

Imagine trying to contain water in a sieve.

That’s what happens when you try to contain “energy” in a room with empty seats. The empty seats convey: “People are missing. People didn’t show up. We’re waiting for them. Oh-oh, they’re still not here.” It’s distracting to say the least.

Remove those empty chairs. You can even explain why: “I’d like to create a space where our energy can percolate. Let’s remove these distractions.”