Presenters wonder, “How can I connect with my audience?”
You can connect with your audience in many ways, but there is a rule of thumb. Essentially, you’ve got to find some similarity or commonality with your audience.
A couple of years ago, I was invited to speak to a convention of anesthesiologists. About two weeks before the event, I sat down to try to figure out what I had in common with them.
I racked my brain for hours, and I finally figured out that I had nothing at all in common with anesthesiologists.
So, I decided to tell them the truth. When I got up to speak, I started by saying, “You know, I believe that we are in opposite professions. You are in trouble when your client wakes up, and I am in trouble when my client falls asleep.”
They seemed to enjoy that! So, I’m sure that looking for commonality with your audiences is a good technique. But, it’s also telling the truth.
How can we help?
If you would like help with a presentation, or if your team needs to get better at being understood, remembered, and believed, give us a call. Sims Wyeth & Co. helps our clients with workshops, coaching, and message development. We have experience with scientific and technical presenters, financial firms, and other service industries.
Recently, we’ve expanded our services to include one-on-one executive communication coaching, small group training lasting one or two days, on-line sessions for groups and individuals, a one-hour communication workshop called OPENING THE DOOR. We also offer related services such as Improving the speaking voice, How to find and tell your story, and Preparing teams and individuals for important opportunities.
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