NEWSLETTERS
"Connect With Your Audience"
By Roberta Prescott
While you’re trying to connect with your audience you have
competition from hundreds of internal and external distractions:
- “The room’s too hot.”
- “What’s that noise in the hallway?”
- “This had better be good. I’ve got a deadline
to meet.”
- “I’ve got three calls and four
emails to return by 11.”
- “Can I get an early tee time this week end?”
- “When can I get my flat tire fixed?”
Their minds are always ready to wander. Following are some turn-offs
that can disconnect you from them:
LOSING THE POINT
Keep their attention
by:
- Having a clear objective. What do you want them to think, feel
or do as a result of your presentation?
- Identifying their
needs and giving them benefits that are
relevant. E.g.,
- Being more productive
- Having a better understanding of corporate
direction
- Generating more income
- Giving the meaning of the data, not just
the facts. Think in terms of “This is important to you because … “
- Adding
technicolor to black and white news by using examples, anecdotes
and analogies that address their priorities, hot buttons or specific
needs
DELIVERING WITH LOW ENERGY
Whether you’re reading word-for-word from notes or droning
on in a monotone, the effect is hypnotic. A zone out is not far behind.
Instead:
- Vary the pitch of your voice (how high and how low)
- Vary your
vocal projection (how loud and how soft)
- Intersperse short punchy
sentences among your longer ones
SPEAKING TOO QUICKLY WITH NO PAUSES
You’re like a runaway train. How will they know or care what’s
important?
- Your average speaking rate should be 125-150 words per minute
- Pause to emphasize vocally key points. Put your lips
together and breathe
REPEATING VOCAL PHRASES UNTIL THEY’VE
LOST THEIR MEANING
Think silently rather than use “fillers” as verbal commas.
Eliminate from your vocabulary:
- “Um” / “Okay” / “You know” / “Basically” / “Right”
HAVING VISUAL MANNERISMS
Half your message is in your body language. Are you causing them
to close their eyes rather than watch as you:
- Dart your eyes around
- Sway / rock / pace
- Play with your keys / pen / ring / change
in your pocket / glasses.
Instead, use gestures that are natural
to you, sustain them longer than you would in normal conversation
and make sure they match your message.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THEY’RE TURNING
OFF?
WATCH FOR:
- Leaning forward or back / folding arms to look
at watch
- Foot tapping / frequent change of position
- Doodling / tapping
the table
- Eyes narrow / widen / glaze over / or no eye contact
WHAT TO DO TO RECONNECT
- If you read
boredom pick up your energy level / pace;
become more crisp
- If you read impatience throw out half your material;
cut to the chase
By avoiding these presentation turn-offs and by being aware of your
audience, you have a better chance of connecting with them so that
they hear and act upon your message.
©
The Prescott Group
