I recently saw a so-called motivational speaker pretending to be interested in what she was talking about. Many of the attendees were not very interested in what she was saying.
Never forget that perception is everything. People are very intuitive. Often times they will not critique anybody outright in their community or even in their world, in order not to hurt other people’s feelings. But, even without filling out a review card, the truth will out. You can tell when someone is just going through the motions. Well it’s okay for a factory worker or even a bus driver or a waitress to just have at it when it comes to leader and/or teacher, it is very frustrating for the audience. Whenever you encounter that, it’s good to remind yourself that when it’s your turn to present you should try to be present, alert, and whatever you do, try not to bore your audience! One way to bore the audience is to pretend to enjoy what you’re doing when you really would rather be somewhere else. Perhaps it’s time to hang up your career and do something you love. Or it’s time to get less mercenary, and resurrect the passion you had at the beginning by taking some time out to examine your motivation. Or else, maybe you need a good night’s sleep. Believe it or not, we can tell when you’re with it and when you’re not.
Giving feedback is not easy either. Do you want to be hated? Most of us keep our critiques to ourselves. The truth hurts and no one wants to be harbinger of bad news. I predict in the future there will be ways to get instantaneous feedback that is private and does not hurt the audience who can sense the truth.
It’s easy to become a victim by yelping. That’s why so many of us keep our mouths shut.

Musically yours, Amy Zents