This might come as a shock to most presenters. And it's even a bit scary because it sounds like it's something you can't control. But the single most important contributor to a successful, knock-it-out -of-the-park, killer presentation is your audience. Think about it. The right audience can provide the energy that makes a good presenter great. A bad audience can suck the life out of even the best presenter. So what I am saying, really? (I get that alot.) Am I advising you to go hire a team of expert audience members? Do I suggest a canned laugh track for your next presentation? Should you pay your family (assuming they are fans) to sit in on your next session? Not exactly. What I suggest is that you invest as much if not more time figuring out who you are speaking to, what they care about, and how to promote your session or talk than you do creating those lovely PowerPoint slides. By gathering as much detail as you can about the people who will be listening to your presentation, you can insure that your message resonates with them. When a message connects, or even inspires them to disagree, your audience will come to life in a way that brings fire to your subject matter. And how you promote your talk is critical to ensuring that the people who end up in your presentation are the people who really want to hear what you have to say. Sometimes you get lucky with a topic that is spot on or the timing is just right and other times you can guide or direct your topic so that your angle is exactly right for your audience. Last week, I had the good fortune of presenting to 60 of the most engaged, entertaining, and fun Estate and Gift Tax folks you ever want to meet. I wish I could claim some responsibility for the energy that sizzled in the room - but it was more like a happy accident for me. The audience rocked! Of course, the excellent wine they were drinking may have had something to do with it. (See next week's tip #2 about serving alcohol to your audience.) Comments01/15/2010 11:04
Hey Geni, Thanks for the mention, as always. How's the nerd angle going for you? Hope you're doing well. 04/12/2010 19:27
The post is simple best and informative. Thanks a lot man. Leave a Reply |  Geni Whitehouse
Countess of Communication Brotemarkle,Davis and Co. LLP Author of How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting : 52 ways even a nerd can be heard I am an accountant on a mission. I want to permanently remove the blight of BORING that has attached itself to members of my profession. But the boring blight doesn't stop there. It's everywhere. I've found it in wineries (although it's a tad more palatable when served with alcohol), in science labs, even in Art museums. And technology people carry the "B" gene too. But the condition need not be fatal. I work with CPAs through my strategic partner, Mentor Plus, an organization that has been providing CPAs with the skills their clients crave for more than 19 years. I lecture around the country to accountants and technology audiences and I have a ball. I was a partner in an Atlanta CPA firm when I realized technology was my true passion and I have been fighting the nerd versus geek battle ever since. And through some stroke of absolutely amazing luck, I now find myself in Napa -- the most gorgeous, hospitable place imaginable. Are you on Twitter? You can follow my nerdy life there : evenanerd Contact me geni@evenanerd.com I am a graduate of the Jeff Justice Comedy Workshoppe and the Persuasive Speaker course taught by Speechworks. I highly recommend both of these organizations. I am not unbiased, nor do I wish to be. I have done work for anyone and everyone in the software industry or the accounting profession. But if I am not impressed by what you do or can't find an angle that is interesting or unique, I won't work for or with you. And if you are stodgy or boring, there are not enough dollars or even euros to make me help you. See samples of my writing here: www.salestaxradar.com www.mybizcounts.com  ArchivesJanuary 2012 CategoriesAll Other websites you might enjoy: |
RSS Feed