What are the most effective ways to build a speaker's trust and respect?

To build a speaker’s trust and respect, it is important to build meaningful relationships and understand what matters to those around you. Effective communication is also key, so being clear, concise, and persuasive in both written and spoken forms can go a long way It is also important to be knowledgeable and well-prepared when presenting. For example, before delivering a pitch deck, it is recommended to get familiar with the latest roadmap, battle cards, and the different personas involved in the topic being presented In addition, being punctual, following through on commitments, and being consistent in your actions can also help build trust and respect

To build a speaker's trust and respect, start with authenticity; be genuine in your communication and actions. Show expertise and confidence by thoroughly understanding your topic and audience. Listen actively and empathize with your audience, valuing their perspectives and feedback. Consistency is key—deliver on promises and maintain a steady presence. Engage with your audience, showing interest in their needs and offering valuable insights. Lastly, always be prepared and punctual, showing respect for your audience's time and investment in you. Remember, trust and respect are earned by showing you care not just about the message, but also about the people you're speaking to.

What have they taken away from other speakers on the same topics and how were they able to apply or not? Then tailor/address this feedback in your speech as examples of breakdowns and breakthroughs.

To gain a speaker's trust and respect, think of a leader not just addressing a crowd, but engaging in a conversation. Like a skilled conductor tuned to each musician's strengths, a speaker should be attuned to their audience's needs and perspectives. Consider a doctor's bedside manner, where empathy builds trust, or a teacher's encouragement that fosters respect. A speaker should be like a guide in a museum, not merely presenting information, but storytelling in a way that connects personally with each visitor. It's about crafting a narrative that resonates, being present in the moment, and creating a space where dialogue can flourish. And all this must be very real..

The audience is sensitive to nonverbal communication and can often discern when we make mistakes. But is making a mistake a problem? Absolutely not. We all make mistakes, but if we happen to make one during a talk, it's essential to admit it. Admitting your mistakes is a simple way to show people they can trust you.

This also allows people to see themselves in your vivid share and then look to see how your transformation might map into their possibilities. It will at least set them up powerfully to be able to be vulnerable and ask questions or perhaps share where they are stuck!

Using jargon has always been a turn off….. if you are generative in your topic you will be able to share in such a way that they see their own alignment therefore giving them an opportunity to see themselves and what might be possible if what was missing were made available in their answer, when you are unsure or not grounded in the integrity or generative ability of the speech…..they will sniff the rat and you will falter becoming unclear and separate you from your audience.

The most important element of trust is truth. What you speak has to be factually based and grounded in real world experience. Even in storytelling, or comedy, if the plot or punchline doesn't ring true or is not real-life-relatable, people will begin to dismiss everything else you say. Research data and multiple viewpoints. Question your motives and biases. If you are not honest with yourself about these things, you cannot be honest with your audience. And that will leave them no reason to trust you. *Note: it is possible to be a very persuasive, charismatic liar, but that psychopathology has a specific diagnosis, and I hope that awareness leads to fewer people being preyed upon.

Creating a safe space and sharing a couple of testimonies of you supporting participants in the past will open up a possibility of collaboration…..allowing you to ask if anyone would like to share their breakdown and be willing to work on a potential breakthrough??

For me, using the term "active listening" is a mistake. Why? Because listening is either active or it isn't listening at all. The most important quality for communication is undoubtedly listening. Therefore, let's listen, look, and observe our audience at all times. And from that listening, we can draw the necessary linguistic elements to convey and demonstrate that we understand their perspectives, feelings, and concerns, and that we respect their diversity and differences.

Authenticity has always been a part of my approach to public speaking. Sharing personal stories and insights, while also being transparent about my biases and limitations, has helped me build genuine connections with my audience