We've all been there- whether you're teaching a room of fidgety children or trying to get the attention at a Town Hall, commanding a small crowd can be daunting.

But it doesn't have to be if you're prepared.

Here are five sure tips to get them to listen attentively.

1. Speak Naturally

Raising your voice to get their attention is not the best approach. It causes unnecessary stress, and the vibe it creates in the room is negative- not conducive to the message you're trying to get across! Speaking in a natural, normal tone will automatically cause them to quiet down to hear you.

Be mindful of your tone, and use it as a tool. If you are asking your students to put away their books to prepare for a quiz, speak in a matter of fact, declarative tone. If you are presenting information to a group of new hires, use an inviting and conversational tone.

2. Address Issues Immediately and With Authority

Addressing a problem quickly will assure it does not escalate and change the atmosphere of the room. And the conflict should always be taken away privately- never addressed before the group.

If you have unruly students, take them out of the room. Ask open ended question like "How may I help you?" never accuse. Act as if you care even if you have opposing feelings at the moment. This will disarm the child as they most likely will be braced for your anger and confrontation.

To handle that incessantly interrupting adult attendee wisely, keep your cool. Address them, "It looks like you have a question, and I promise you have the floor as soon as I am finished."

Always use neutral language and remember- it's not personal!

3. Non Verbal Communication

Holding your hand in the air while silenced and making eye contact with your students is a proven way to quiet the class and capture their attention.

This does take training for them to get used to it as a routine, but it works beautifully. They will notice your hand up, raise their hand and quiet down.

When all hands are up and mouths are closed you lower yours and speak.

Flicking the lights off and on to get attention in a loud room works every time.

4. Talk Only When They Quiet

One of the best pieces of advice it to remain quiet.

Just wait.

Fight the temptation to yell!

Sometimes you may have to wait longer than you think you'll be able to hold out for, but slowly and surely you'll hear "shhhhh!" and "quiet!"- basically they'll do the work for you.

Your patience will pay off and you'll save your voice!

5. Be Prepared!

This is most important of all. Always be prepared with your presentation and plan.

When addressing any group- young or old- if you don't have a plan they'll make one for you!

Be prepared with compelling and engaging lessons, anecdotes, and presentations. They take time to prepare but they are worth it on many levels!

Never be afraid to overplan when you're dealing with a group of little or big humans. It's always better to run out of time than run out of engaging info! If your audience is bored you will encounter headaches!

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