I just don't feel right in here!

I walked into the arena at the University of South Alabama and had to get used to it. I love speaking at South because the orientation director and the vice president of academic affairs are both pretty cool. Also the audiences have always been great audiences---attentive, alert and responsive.

But the first time I walked into their new basketball arena to do a presentation I had to take it all in. So I stood in one place, closed my eyes and listened to the voices. I did so because the first thing that concerns me about any venue is the sound of the place. I have to take in those acoustics. An arena provides a special challenge because it is a huge place where the sound bounces around. THIS arena is dark.

So I focused on a few specific things. First, I looked at people's faces to get used to seeing their eyes. Second, I listened to their voices to get accustomed to hearing them. Third, I walked around to get a feel for my presentation area. Lastly, and most importantly, I tested the microphone everso quickly to get a feel for its volume. Every speaker should remember that a mic can be his/her best friend or worst enemy.

This is exactly why sound checks and rehearsals are so important for an stage performer. The same goes for athletes and teams who have to practice in a particular facility before their games. Before plays I would go out to the stage and lie on it for about 5 minutes in the dark.

Countless times I have seen and heard from speakers who just walk in and start. The biggest problem I have seen some of them have is that they have a hard time getting comfortable because they are not used to the area in which they are working.

Feeling out of sorts is to be expected when you are in a new or different facility. But the most successful speakers are the ones who take the time to take it in.