HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE AUDIENCE?

 

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When you go to a movie theater, you expect the movie to engage you for a couple of hours.  You don’t want to think of something else as long as the movie is on. Similarly, think that when the audience is there to hear you speak, all its attention should be focused on you.  The more chances they have to get distracted, the greater will be their discomfort about your speech.  How then are you able to connect with the audience so that your speech impacts them?

Communicate for tomorrow

                Your communication should not only arouse curiosity but also sustain interest in the audience.  In the modern world, information is easily available.  More than what you say, how you say it becomes all the more important to people.  Unless it is forceful and enthralling, they lose interest.

                When you communicate, make sure that there is no interference.  Using visual aids will help you in being specific and meaningful.  If modern visual aids are not allowed, at least use flashcards containing specific points.  Even if you are not allowed to carry any aid, these points should be remembered so that you adhere to the structure of the presentation that you have prepared. 

Your Body is your medium

Body language is an effective medium of communication.  As long as you do not make unnecessary movements, there is not much to worry about this.  Body language involves your movement, what you do with your hands, whether you are relaxed or not as well as your posture.

Giving too much importance to body language spoils the essence of communication.  You may have observed that some speakers use too many body movements and thereby distract the audience.

The best way to practice this is to video graph yourself when you speak.  Play the video several times and note down what irritates you.  Rather than trying to reduce these mannerisms, the best way to overcome them is to avoid doing them.  Take the help of others.

Make sure that your speech and body are coordinated.  Let your hands move normally.  Move about the stage naturally and not in haste.  All these can be achieved when you are relaxed on stage.

Convey sounds, not noise

                Voice modulation becomes another important ingredient to connect with the audience.  Greater noise gets generated when you shout, use a high pitch, and are not audible.  Use pauses appropriately so that the information sinks in the audience.  Try to cultivate a neutral accent.  Repeat important words or terms.

                The best way to practice this skill is to record your speech and play it several times.  Practice speaking alone and then combine it with your actions.  Take the help of others.

                In short, connecting with the audience involves your communication, your body language as well as your voice modulation.  The audience is well-connected when they do not feel that they are listening to a speech but when they journey along with you.

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