You have probably heard me say before that public speaking is very personal, but I want to emphasize that point a little more today.
Whenever you’re on stage, the audience members should feel like you’re having a one-on-one conversation with each of them…even though you’re talking to the entire group at once. To accomplish this, you actually have to become a great listener so you can better relate to your audience, and this quick guide will teach you how to do it.
- First off, remember that the more you know your audience, the more you’ll be able to relate with them and deliver a speech that feels very personal. So be sure to find out as much as possible about the group you’re speaking to.
- Also take time to learn about your audience’s demographics and things that are personally affecting them in the world today. That could be local politics and news events, things going on in the community or almost anything that only a local would care about.
- On the day of your speech, show up early and chat with some of the attendees, just to gain some additional insights. Also, be sure to listen in on any speakers and all the side conversations to see if there are ideas you can carry over into your presentation.
- When you’re up on stage, try to deliver your speech like you’re talking directly to a personal friend. That means using the word “you” often and gauging how receptive your audience is to what you’re saying. If they’re leaning forward with their eyes wide open, that means they are engaged. Check the ratio of the “you’s versus the “I”s in you speech. Some of the World Champions of Public Speaking have over 30 “you’s” in a seven minute speech.
- Another powerful way to speak to one and look to all is to look at one person when delivering your point.
- The next time you give a speech, walk or lean towards one person, deliver your message as you look at them, pause, and then continue your speech and look at the rest of your audience. What happens is everyone around that one person feels you are looking at them. In addition the rest of the audience will experience the personal connection and feel like you are talking to each of them. This is very powerful.