How do you talk to connect? Is it your ability to interact with the audience, or the sound of your voice, or the persuasiveness of your message? It really is a combination of all these qualities, but more with the knowledge of how to integrate these three main elements to forge your match and engage your listeners.
The first key element is understanding how you can engage your audience members with a meaningful response from them to your message. This does not simply mean that your listeners raise their hands, stand up, or do some other physical activity; But it requires your ability to motivate the thoughts and feelings of each listener that compel them to participate fully. Ask yourself what words, questions, or examples would keep my audience attentive and wanting to hear more. Use explicit language to bring out the clarity of your message and avoid being vague, which only leaves your listeners confused and unsure. Then attach a group response that allows them to show you understand it; and they like what you have to offer. Include activities that contain movement, voice, and discovery. Dramatic role-playing games, solving a mystery or question, or supporting a team challenge are some examples of total participatory group activities for any number of people.
Second, combine your activity with the key quality of your own vocal sound. The public does not like to be yelled at, ordered around, or put down. Are you priming your vocal tone to be warm and authoritative so that all your listeners’ ears and eyes are drawn to you? Your personal vocal tuning keeps your voice in shape to avoid too much shrillness, murmurs, nasality, hoarseness, tiredness, arrogance, or a monotonous sound. Choose the point in your speech where you will develop your energy, project or whisper your sound. Lead to improve your activity and engage with skillful improvisation during the process while encouraging or supporting your participants. It’s wonderful when both you and the speaker and your audience not only experience the message but share the “ah-hah” moments.
Finally, the third key ingredient in connecting with your audience is the overall persuasiveness of your message. Show your passion sincerely, without cheating or forcing. Rehearse each major section of your speech so you can find where you naturally pause or emphasize in your expression because you really feel it as you speak it. Let your voice shine through the humanization of your story. Use the power of your breath to stay in control of your message so you don’t run out of breath or deflate the value of your content. The best examples are those where your audience may see themselves as similar situations so they can make the connection. Share your story to share, not to lecture; so that your listeners understand all the emotions, thoughts and actions.
Does your audience know at the end of your speech what your key point was and what they can do about it? The combination of these key elements reinforces not only your skill as a presenter; but also, the appreciation of its audience that it was worth listening to. His words, voice and passion move them to establish the connection that he strove to provide. Here’s your next speech that makes a difference to your audience!
