The 2024 Presidential Debate is a treasure trove of presentation lessons for students. One (safer) topic for class is what to do when a presenter is not speaking.

The debate illustrated how “on” the candidates were when it wasn’t their turn. The same is true for business presentations: before people speak, as they pause to look at notes or change visuals, when they listen to questions, and after they finish. Students are also “on” as audience members—how they are perceived by presenters and classmates.

I have watched students in team presentations when others are speaking looking at their notes, moving their lips as they plan what to say or what they hope the presenter will say, looking disappointed by sneering or tilting their heads, and exchanging nonverbal messages with other team members. I haven’t quite seen the slaw-jawed look we saw during the debate, but all facial expressions are up for interpretation.

As faculty members, we ask students to be particularly attentive to how they appear. We encourage them to look open and supportive—smiling and nodding, as appropriate—when others speak and ask questions. Most important, they should look alert and engaged, whether on or off camera.