You step up to speak. You’ve got an important
message to share. You need people to get this. You’ve spent days, maybe even
weeks preparing for this.
I could list a hundred thoughts that are likely
running through your head as you walk onto the stage:
- Don’t stuff this up
- I hope this makes sense
- I hope I’ve prepared enough
- What if people laugh at me?
- What’s my opening line?
- How did I get roped into doing
this?
But have you ever wondered what’s going through
the mind of your audience? What’s ticking around in their brain as they sit in
silence staring back at you.
I’m not a mind reader, but as someone who has
sat through countless presentations and conferences I can give you four big
questions I ask every time I hear someone speak. If you are a leader or
communicator that wants to better connect with your audience, they are four
questions worth considering.
Question #1 - Do You
Believe This?
This question is about energy.
When you speak, people want to know that you
stand by your words. I can’t believe this if you don’t. There is something
contagious about the passion and energy a person exudes when they are convinced
of their content and message. It is also glaringly obvious when a person is
delivering a message they do not personally believe themselves.
Build Conviction. Get
passionate about your message. Passion is not just seen in volume, it
isn’t just about being loud. It is seen in value. If you want to become
passionate about what you do, invest the time and effort to understand deeply
why your message and content is valuable to you and to those you are sharing it
with.
Question #2 - Do I
Believe You?
This question is about authenticity.
An audience would rather engage with someone who
is raw and authentic over a someone who is polished and fake. An audience will
forgive you for tripping over a few words but they won’t forgive someone they
perceive as fake. Trust is the foundation for connecting your message.
Avoid Comparison. Ultimately
people want to connect with you but they can’t do that if you’re trying to be
somebody else. The best pathway to authenticity is being comfortable in your
own skin. Find how you communicate most naturally, own it, then keep growing.
Question #3 - Do You
Care About Me?
This question is about generosity.
Is your content seeking or serving? Are you
sharing this information because you believe it will serve and benefit those
who are listening. Or are you sharing this information with the sole intent of
seeking something from them? As the popular saying goes “people don’t care how
much you know until they know how much you care”.
Deliver Value. Whether
it is a sales pitch, department update or change process, focus on adding value
first, before asking for anything in return. Put simply, give more than
you take.
Question #4 - Do You
Understand Me?
This question is about empathy.
People want to know that you’ve done the work to
understand them. It means answering the “what’s in it for me” question
before you get in the room. Empathy has been described as the ability to sit in
someone’s shoes and see things from their perspective. It is the ability to
find the connection between the content or message you deliver and the challenges
people face.
Show Understanding. Show people you have done the work required to know how your
message or big idea is relevant to the key challenge or problems they
face.
Still
interested? Stay tuned for information on the upcoming Corporate Communications
Leadership Forum @ Akolade Aust
Written
by Shane Hatton, Founder of Lead the Room
I've
spent the last 12 years working in organisations across the government, retail,
creative and not-for-profit sectors so my approach blends my experience in
business, marketing and counselling. I'm a creative at heart and so you can be
sure that a journey with me will be along the road less travelled.
Follow
me on LinkedIn @ Shane Hatton
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