Are your audience getting distracted by Goldfish?

"Help!  It's my goldfish, he's ill!” was the cry I heard as I turned around to see a customer rushing passed me with an outstretched saucepan full of water, and presumably a goldfish!

While this might sound like a sketch from a comedy show, this actually happened to me recently while out shopping for dog food in our local pet store!

Those new to Training, Learning & Development, often ask me how they can ensure their audiences are kept engaged.  So, I offer this advice… ‘While you might like to think that everyone is fully concentrating on your well researched topic and mesmerizing delivery, the reality is their mind could well be elsewhere.  And if they are brave enough to share with you that their pet is ill, think carefully about how you respond to this.”

While most of us would be empathetic to a family or friend’s illness distracting us from our task at hand, remember to also never underestimate the importance a pets’ welfare has on a person's state of mind. It really doesn't matter if it's a horse, dog, cat or goldfish, if they are distracted because of it, surely, it's worth taking a moment to acknowledge.

If you are looking to start your career in Training, Learning & Development, or know someone who is, why not check out some of my free resources at www.curiouslighthouse.co.uk