But let’s recognize what’s really going on. \u00a0At bottom, the Principle of Reciprocity is what governs the power of listening. \u00a0And the Principle of Reciprocity is based on the fact that human beings are hard-wired to give back to those who have given to them. \u00a0And perhaps the greatest gift we can give one another is the gift of our attention, a gift we give primarily by listening.<\/p>\n

Let’s remember that the first rule of public speaking is to\u00a0know the audience. \u00a0<\/em>In order to do that , we must set aside our assumptions about the audience, and take the time to ask them questions and listen\u00a0<\/em>before we shape our content.<\/p>\n

Interview at least three people, and don’t assume anything,\u00a0because once we’ve \u00a0assumed, our curiosity comes to a complete stop.<\/p>\n

The second rule of public speaking (and presenting) is to speak to the audience, in the language of the audience, about what is most important to the audience.<\/p>\n

And the only way to do that is to listen to the audience, listen to the language they use, and listen to what is most important to them.<\/p>\n

Be a better listener. \u00a0Listen without judgment, with endless curiosity. \u00a0You’ll be a better speaker and get better results because you your speech will be more listener-centric.<\/p>\n

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