Communication is all about audience connection
Whether you are communicating with one person or a large audience, or this is for work or is personal, the goal is ultimately the same. We want to connect with the other person or group we are talking to.
As humans we want to be heard, we want to be understood and we want to feel that we have a connection with others.
One of the worst feelings as a speaker or leader is standing there talking and seeing a room full of blank stares or distracted eyes. People looking at their phones, heck even gazing toward the door. Or even worse, what if audience starts to fall asleep!!
As a speaker what we love to see is a smile, an engaged look, a nod of agreement, or some laughter perhaps. These signs let us know we are doing something right, that we are connecting with them in some way.
So, how do I take what I have to say and connect it to other people? That’s indeed the big question. The following elements I believe are key to helping you make that deeper connection.
Do you know the audience?
Every audience wants to feel understood, just like the speaker. The audience wants to feel like you know and understand what they are going through, how they feel and what can help them. When you do this, they are with you, they will listen to every word you say.
Some of the best speeches I have written have been hands down when I had the most information on the audience and what they were looking for. One speech even resulted in millions of dollars of investment being put on the table when the speaker finished.
Make sure the message you are sharing has value and is therefore relevant for your intended audience.
Speak Authentically
Are you showing up as yourself or are trying to sound and communicate like other leaders? Are you sharing personal stories to help people not only connect with the message but connect with you as the speaker?
One of the most effective ways to get your audience’s attention is to be authentic. To tap into your own inner wisdom and not follow what others think you “should” say.
I have seen speakers who have great scripts in front of them, but the moment they step away from the podium because they feel inspired to share something far deeper, they hold the audience in the palm of their hand. Why? Because it’s them being them. It’s real and it’s genuine. You can’t beat it.
Touch our human emotions
Your communication needs to touch basic human emotions in some way.
Whether you are inspiring, entertaining or given instructions, you want to connect with the emotion of what you are trying to express. Story is one of the best ways to do this.
By sharing your story, you help people link to their own stories and connect to the message. When people see themselves in others through story, it instantly creates a human bond.
Is it memorable?
Audiences want to hear something they have never heard before or something said in a brand new way that helps trigger their own inspirations and ideas.
Guess what? When communications are memorable, they are also shareable! People will want to relay the stories or share the message if it is easily repeatable.
So, whether you are communicating with your partner a child or speaking in front of a team or packed audience – having these elements present will help ensure people connect to your message.
Keep Speaking