Show Courtesy

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The old adage about treating others as you’d like to be treated applies just as much in public speaking as in all other areas of life. When someone else is delivering a presentation, extend the same courtesy you would appreciate if you were speaking. Courteous behavior includes focusing your attention on the speaker as soon as he or she begins, and stopping any activities that may distract you or the speaker (working on a class assignment, texting your friends, chatting with your neighbor). Show the speaker that you are actively paying attention.