Respect. It is that simple. Yes, it goes a bit deeper than Aretha Franklin’s “Just a little bit…” But it is an effective starting point. The respect that you must have for your audience demonstrates itself in three ways: preparation, organization, and conversation.
Preparation
This means that you know who the audience is and you know their perspective. Through preparation, you know what thing of value you wish to provide them with during your time together. During your preparation, you need to understand the experience, knowledge level, and relationship that the audience has with your subject. Then, you strive to see the issues from their position, clearly identifying the hurdles and obstacles in their way. And with this analysis, you prepare answers to their objections, solutions to their dilemmas, and encouragement for their resolve. Preparation.
Organization
The time you spend organizing your thoughts will pay dividends in execution. You should plan for an Attention-Grabbing Opening (AGO). Then, provide a meaningful body with teaching sprinkled across engaging and interesting personal anecdotes, examples, and illustrations. Finally, end your time with an intentional and powerful conclusion, driving home your main points. With organization, you will ensure not to neglect either the “What’s In It For Me” (WIIFM) or Call to Action. Your organization will help you deliver value to your audience in a way that they feel respected. Organization.
Conversation
There is nothing more appreciated by an audience than a speaker who is authentic, natural, and conversational. When they think that you are the type of person that they would want to invite over to their house for dinner and a chat in the living room afterward, then you are showing them respect. Be open and honest, be intellectual yet relatable, and above all, be human. Show warmth in your talk. Have no hidden agenda, which would be disrespectful. Conversation.
Respect
What Does Your Audience Want? Respect. Show them respect with preparation, organization, and conversation. Make their time spent with you important, enjoyable, and valuable for all.
What Does Your Audience Want? – today’s CommLink. Look for more Dynamic Speaking principles, techniques, and best practices from P H Tyson & Associates.