--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is a strange sensation often…" description: "\"“There is a strange sensation often experienced in the presence of an audience. It may proceed from the gaze of the many eyes that turn upon the speake..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cec/william-pittenger-287157_public-speaking_there-is-a-strange-sensation-often-exper_3224522.jpg" --- # There is a strange sensation often experienced in the… ![“There is a strange sensation often experienced in the presence of an audience. It may proceed from the gaze of the many eyes that turn upon the speaker, especially if he permits himself to steadily return that gaze. Most speakers have been conscious of this in a nameless thrill, a real something…” quote by William Pittenger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cec/william-pittenger-287157_public-speaking_there-is-a-strange-sensation-often-exper_3224522.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cec/william-pittenger-287157_public-speaking_there-is-a-strange-sensation-often-exper_3224522.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cec/william-pittenger-287157_public-speaking_there-is-a-strange-sensation-often-exper_3224522.jpg) > ““There is a strange sensation often experienced in the presence of an audience. It may proceed from the gaze of the many eyes that turn upon the speaker, especially if he permits himself to steadily return that gaze. Most speakers have been conscious of this in a nameless thrill, a real something, pervading the atmosphere, tangible, evanescent, indescribable. All writers have borne testimony to the power of a speaker's eye in impressing an audience. This influence which we are now considering is the reverse of that picture—the power their eyes may exert upon him, especially before he begins to speak: after the inward fires of oratory are fanned into flame the eyes of the audience lose all terror.”” William Pittenger ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Audience gaze can both intimidate and empower a speaker, shifting from fear to confidence as the speaker engages with the crowd. **In simple terms:** The eyes of listeners affect a speaker’s confidence. Key Takeaway Embrace eye contact to boost confidence. Themes public speaking psychology confidence performance audience dynamics Mood nervous empowered reflective Type public speaking:1 Speaker:1 Presence Audience:1 Impressing Audience:0 Eyes Audience:1 Speaker Eye:1 Oratory Fanned:0 When to use this quote - lecture - debate - public speaking - first-time presentations Key Concepts social influence feedback loops stage presence Questions to Reflect On - How does eye contact change your speaking anxiety? - Can you use audience energy to improve delivery? A Different Perspective Some may feel overwhelmed despite eye contact. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Public speaking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-speaking/) ## Related quotes > [If I have to get a film by impressing someone, the audience can see everything. 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