Audience RAPPORT –

(a repeat topic)

        To connect with an audience first bait your message to hook them right from the start of your presentation.

        Select a topic of interest to them.  

        Focus on a simple, clear, message.

        If you don’t get attention at the beginning the rest of your message can be lost,

A handful of tips to establish a rapport with an audience when making a presentation

* Don’t say too much

        Focus on a simple clear message.

        Be brief, sincere,  enthusiastic and seated.

        Remember the fleeting nature of oral communication.

         Three by three may be the key. Compose yourself, pause, smile and tell a story or an anecdote.

        A little bit of humour can help if clever, topical and clean.

         Don’t be in a hurry.

        Let your audience get used to your voice before you start on your main message.

        Chat to them. Don’t lecture.

        Keep your presentation simple. Don’t say too much. Tell your audience what you propose to say. Tell them, but don’t make too many points. Three would be ideal.

        Give them facts and reasons why.

        Sum up with what you have told them and end with a strong memorable finish such as a recommendation for action.

*  Look for common ground

        Talk about local experiences, associations or environmental issues.

        Try to let them believe you are one of them.

        Refer to familiar places and quote people the audience like and respect.

* Focus on the audience’s concerns

        Agree with some of their hopes, beliefs, attitudes and values.

        People like new information, so make your message fresh, exciting and stimulating punctuated with amusing stories and anecdotes to make it memorable.

        If you make recommendations explain the advantages and how they could benefit.

* Be polite and respectful at all times

        Keep calm even if you have a hostile audience. Let the chairperson deal with any problems that arise, such as repeated interjections.

* Share your feelings and emotions

        Tell them how you feel about things.

        Be honest, modest and sincere.

        Pause from time to time. Take care not to talk to fast.

        Tell them what you honestly think about things.

        The shorter your words and sentences the easier they are to heed.

-Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Focus on a simple clear message. Work up to a climax – not an anticlimax.”

For those in need call up our FREE Book “NO JOB! – WHAT NOW?” Available from our website.

Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and in Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.