4 Ways to Connect With Your Audience

Getting up in front of people is not an easy task. Many things can go wrong, and your flight or fight instincts kickin. You get up there and you start to stumble. You get a knot in your stomach. Your heart begins to race. Sweat is forming all over your face.

Even when all those things arehappening you still have to deliver your story and try to connect with your audience. Relax though, and just remember these 4 things:

1. Know your audience.

My guess is that you were asked to speak or give a presentation. That gives you an advantage! Get a list of attendees and contact some of them before the event. With the world at your fingertips, hop online and familiarize yourself with the event and the people that will be attending. When it comes time to deliver your presentation, engage your audience early and often.

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2. Tell a story.

Don’t get up on the stage and just start spewing facts and research. Tell them an engaging story that they can relate to. Facts and research don’t activate the brain fully, a story though, a story can put their whole brain to work. By telling a story, you are bringing your audience into the presentation and giving them a painting.

Use compelling imagery to illustrate your story, after all, you know what they say about a great picture.

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3. Relax.

Faking a smile is ok, but showing your nerves is not. An audience can sense when you are uptight -- it’s not inspiring or trustworthy. Take a deep breath and slow down if needed. Take short pauses to collect your thoughts.

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4. Be prepared with a great presentation.

Nothing gets you more relaxed and able to connect with your audience than being prepared in the first place. This is one area where you can take your time and really shine. There are several resources available to help you design a great presentation and here are a few of our favorites…

1. Presentermedia.com
2. color.adobe.com
3. fontsquirral.com
4. unsplash.com

What other ways do you connect with the audience? Comment below.