Solutions
The Audience Connection
How to present your ideas in ways that move people to action
Every good presentation has a specific objective. At times, that
objective may be simply to inform, enlighten or educate. In many
instances, though, the objective is to get your audience to react in a
positive way and to take action. Perhaps you want them to buy something,
or you want to convince them to adopt and act upon a new business
strategy.
Whatever objective you’re looking to achieve, it’s important to realise that, in order to do so, you must be in sync with the people you’re trying to reach. Much like an entertainer, who can capture a crowd and totally win them over, the best and most successful presenters are able to connect with their audience.
The following five ideas do just that:
Whatever objective you’re looking to achieve, it’s important to realise that, in order to do so, you must be in sync with the people you’re trying to reach. Much like an entertainer, who can capture a crowd and totally win them over, the best and most successful presenters are able to connect with their audience.
The following five ideas do just that:
Work some humour into your presentation
You don’t have to be a comedian. While a short and applicable joke at the beginning of your presentation may be appropriate to relax you and your audience, a short, humorous story (it doesn’t have to be knee-slappingly funny, just amusing and appropriate) might be better.
Act relaxed, even if you’re not feeling that way
If you appear very nervous, your audience will feel uncomfortable. Worse still, they will direct their attention and concentration to your uneasiness and not to the content of your presentation. Breathe deeply whenever possible to help keep your composure. Do not allow your eyes to shift around nervously. Do not shuffle your feet, sway from side to side or use excessive motions with your hands. And do not check your watch or a clock on the wall.
You don’t have to be a comedian. While a short and applicable joke at the beginning of your presentation may be appropriate to relax you and your audience, a short, humorous story (it doesn’t have to be knee-slappingly funny, just amusing and appropriate) might be better.
Act relaxed, even if you’re not feeling that way
If you appear very nervous, your audience will feel uncomfortable. Worse still, they will direct their attention and concentration to your uneasiness and not to the content of your presentation. Breathe deeply whenever possible to help keep your composure. Do not allow your eyes to shift around nervously. Do not shuffle your feet, sway from side to side or use excessive motions with your hands. And do not check your watch or a clock on the wall.
Keep up your energy level
You want your audience to be as excited about what you’re presenting as you are. Therefore, be enthusiastic in the way you present. Communicate the strongest points of your presentation with confidence, conviction and assuredness.
Be yourself
While giving an oral presentation, trying to imitate a great orator or changing your personality can backfire on you. If you act phoney, you will likely be perceived that way and your presentation may not be fully accepted or even believed.
Challenge your audience
Almost everyone loves a challenge, especially in the competitive business world. For example, if you’re presenting to a group of sales professionals, towards the end of your presentation you could challenge your audience to get out there and raise customer satisfaction to 97%, while also increasing sales number by 22% compared with last year! This approach gives the audience definitive goals to strive for, inviting and moving them to take specific action as a result of your presentation.
You want your audience to be as excited about what you’re presenting as you are. Therefore, be enthusiastic in the way you present. Communicate the strongest points of your presentation with confidence, conviction and assuredness.
Be yourself
While giving an oral presentation, trying to imitate a great orator or changing your personality can backfire on you. If you act phoney, you will likely be perceived that way and your presentation may not be fully accepted or even believed.
Challenge your audience
Almost everyone loves a challenge, especially in the competitive business world. For example, if you’re presenting to a group of sales professionals, towards the end of your presentation you could challenge your audience to get out there and raise customer satisfaction to 97%, while also increasing sales number by 22% compared with last year! This approach gives the audience definitive goals to strive for, inviting and moving them to take specific action as a result of your presentation.
