Creating a Connection

Lady Avelyn also posed this question:
One of my favourite features of the SCA is how royalty can create a feeling of intimacy with individuals in a crowd, even though sometimes it's impossible to speak with every person at an event one-on-one. Do you think you could accomplish this, and how?

We think this is a skill that takes practice to develop. The opportunities we have both had to make presentations in court and at feasts have allowed us a small glimpse into what it takes. The basics include: making direct and gentle eye contact, speaking to be heard, and steering away from "in jokes". This is true when in conversation with a group as well as at head table for a feast or holding court. We would certainly seek guidance from others who have been successful at this in the past as well as feed back about our own developing skills.

Another important part of feeling intimate with the person on the dais comes from having a genuine relationship with them. So although there may not be time at every occasion to speak with every person at length, there should be time set aside though out the seasons to try to spend some quality time interacting with as many parts of the populace as possible. Attending a variety of practices and meetings for example. Offering and accepting offers of a place to stay after an event also gives a wonderful opportunity to become better acquainted with SCA friends you may not see as often. An idea that Agnes recently offered in her submission to the Chronicle was to host a Baroness' tea for newer members. We think the idea is delightful, Wilhelm has even offered to bake the cookies. Spending time together in a quieter atmosphere would undoubtedly help to create and sustain that connection when in the hustle and bustle of a busy event.