Get To Know Your Audience

How much time do you spend preparing your slides for a big presentation?

I know, I know. It can take up a lot of time. And I'm not complaining about anyone spending time doing a great job on the slides. There are far too many word-heavy lousy presentations out there. Who needs to sit thru any more of those?

The slides are just the beginning, though. No. Let me take that back - they aren't EVEN the beginning. They are just part of the presentation. You know the two biggest parts of the presentation? (Careful, let's get the order, the priority right here...)

1. Your audience
2. You

That's it. The two biggest parts of your presentation. Presumably, you have something great to share. Certainly, you are going to edify your team and your constituents. You are an inspiration.

But only if there is something between your audience and you. Only if there is a relationship there. That's the there, there. What trust leads to the truth of your relationship?

It takes time. It takes conversations. It takes listening carefully and paying attention. That's tough work. And, it's the best work going

People may enjoy your slides. They may laugh at your humor. They may take notes on your talking points. But its you, you, you they either care about or disregard.

What are you giving your audience to remember? Is that you?

-- Doug Smith

If you'd like to improve your communication skills and deliver more powerful presentations, contact me about bringing a workshop to your location.

doug@dougsmithtraining.com

Comments

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Small Steps

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