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Connect with Your Audience
When You Speak
By Sally Strackbein
We need to connect with other human beings. Human connection is essential to good health, both emotional and physical. Your audience needs you to connect with them.
If you want people to hear what you say, take it in and respond the way you want them to, they need to feel that you care about them and their needs. When you care about people, they respond.
Connecting with an audience is simple, elegant process that anyone can master with practice.
Listen to the audience
Pause before speaking. Start from silence and pause a moment to take in the audience. Receive their support. In most cases, people want you to succeed.
Take a deep breath
Plant your feet on the floor and take at least one deep breath before you start speaking.
Look for the friendly face
As you pause to connect with the audience, look for a person with a friendly face. Start by speaking to that person.
Speak to the eyes
Look into the eyes of an audience member with a soft gaze. Be available for connection, but don't force it or stare. Think in terms of connection rather than “eye contact.”
Speak to one person at a time
Speak to one person at a time and take about the amount of time it takes to shake hands and say, "Hello."
Let your authentic self shine through
Be a fresh alternative to the sterile, polished performers widely available on TV, radio, stage and in the movies. People welcome authenticity when it speaks to them.
Speak to the listening
Trust yourself to deviate from prepared material according to the needs and reactions of each special audience you speak to. Listening while speaking takes practice and our Defining Story Speakshop® provides that practice.
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copyright © Sally Strackbein.
Permission is granted to reprint this article in your newsletter or magazine with the following byline and clickable link:
Sally Strackbein is a speaker and author.
To find out more about her programs and services,
visit www.DefiningStory.com
or call 703-262-0361.
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