How can you overcome resistance to your message when speaking in public?

'Know your audience' is something most people know you *should* do, but in reality don't know what that entails or how they can use the information. At one level, knowing how many, what positions, goals and objections, interests etc is useful because you can make sure you pitch right and deliver appropriately ( delivering to 10 is different to delivering to 1000). At a deeper level though, knowing your audience is putting yourself in their shoes...what is their LIVED experience like including dreams, hopes, aspirations, problems, worries and doubts? It's understanding that, like you, they are human beings and your aim is always to CONNECT with them - as human beings, not just audience members.

A couple of months into a new job as the CEO, I was at an event and was confronted by a group of people, who listed a number of grievances and who said that my predecessor would not meet with them. I told them I would and when I attended the meeting it was a full house with everyone scowling at me. Ahead of time I was able to get more details on the complaints. I started by acknowledging the head of the group and said that he had dared me to be here and here I was. I told them that I would speak directly to the issues. I started with the ones that I said could be resolved with further discussion and then spoke about the ones that could not be and why. At the end of the evening I was invited back, given a round of applause and a gift.

I normally prepare for resistance from home....based on the topic and my audience. If I sense there might be some resistance, I will dress in a 3 colour African designed dress by me.. that will get their attention to me. It always works for me...then I will start telling them one of my true life stories ....they are now drawn to me ....I hit hard with the first Scripture...and we all are sold! I will then gradually turn my attentions to my audience.....with a word of prophecy...word of wisdom or knowledge...and The Holy Spirit takes over and at this stage we are all broken and receptive.

I always try to think of who my audiences are and what they can take away from my presentation - "What is it in for me?" before I think about what to deliver. Also, I find that using animations to lead people to think and follow would be a good approach to delivering the message.

Follow Stephen Covey’s advice - seek first to understand and then to be understood. Take the time to understand your audience, talk to them and ask questions in order to better understand their needs. Be authentic in your questions and be ready to own your shortcomings. Come prepared to address potential questions, concerns and objections. Look at previous conversations and use that as a basis to prepare. You won’t get to know your audience if you don’t take the time to genuinely communicate with them and seek to understand them.

I always turn up early so I can interact and chat with some members of the audience. There's always something that we can agree with and can refer to when giving the speech. I get the person's first name and make sure I refer to them. You can use stories and anecdotes but they have to be relevant to the audience and the topic.

We're taught that there is some invisible fourth wall separating the speaker from the audience. I assume this is because the speaker is generally the subject matter expert in the room and the audience has come to learn, but in my experience, this is simply not the case. Speakers stand to learn so much from our audiences and this awareness is key to building rapport. Show up early. Introduce yourself to folks. Ask people what they expect to learn from your time together. These insights will not only help you tackle your nerves, but they turn the audience to an ally. At the end of the day, we all want to see and be seen. Establishing rapport is they key to breaking that invisible fourth wall and building champions from within.

I'll always do my best to ensure that I know my audience; then, it's easier to build rapport with them. If I have their trust and understanding I can make them them feel connected and comfortable with me. And a few of the old classics go a long way. A warm greeting, making eye contact, smiling, and even a bit of humour. I've always found my audience resonates when I share stories, give examples, or ask questions. It's basically me saying, "Hey, I get you, and what you think matters to me." This kind of connection makes my audience more open to what I have to say. It's all about making them feel heard and valued.

Listen well. Involve as many perspectives as you can. Save yours for last and don’t feel compelled to shared it at all. You will know if it makes sense to share it.

Based on my experience, establish rapport first! I like to arrive at a speaking engagement early. Watch and listen as the group arrives. Learn the informal group rules and humor. Find commonalities that you can authentically relate to. As you open up, use what you learned to connect. No faking it. Just genuine connection.

1) Express the point in at least 3 different ways. Different approaches resonate with different people. 2) Don't be thrown off by the lag between cause and effect. Many times what you say will not be understood until a future date. Just because the listener is not convinced immediately, doesn't mean they won't be later. 3) Remember the words of Upton Sinclair from about a century ago. “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” Some are not going to be convinced no matter what you say. You just have to accept that. Finally deliver the message with humor, calm, professionalism, and respect. Don't erect extra barriers by being arrogant, or undue emotional content.

To overcome resistance in public speaking, employing evidence and logic is powerful. When presenting a controversial idea or challenging a prevailing belief, incorporate compelling data, research findings, or expert opinions. For example, if advocating for a new policy, share success stories from similar implementations or present statistical evidence supporting its efficacy. The strategic use of credible information increases your credibility and persuasiveness, breaking down resistance and encouraging audience acceptance of your message.

Logic is lost when emotion is at play. Listening and truly hearing the person(s) resisting will make all the difference. Once they see you're listening and care about their views, then you can present evidence to support yours. This will gain you respect and a callback!

Die 3-B's: Richtig argumentieren und überzeugen Wenn du Menschen überzeugen m?chtest brauchst du: Klarheit, eine nachvollziehbare Struktur, eine sichere Performance und schlüssige Argumente. Gute Argumente sind klar, verst?ndlich und logisch. Mit Hilfe der 3-B's drückst du dich klar, verst?ndlich und logisch aus: 1?? Behaupten 2?? Begründen 3?? Belegen Wie es funktioniert: ?? Behaupten - Die Behauptung ist deine Kernbotschaft, sodass alle wissen worum es dir geht. ?? Begründen - Die Begründung beantwortet das 'Warum' und bildet den Kern jeder Argumentation ??Belegen - Der Beleg (Beweis) zielt darauf ab, die überzeugungskraft noch weiter zu st?rken. Er zeigt auch auf, dass du wei?t wovon du sprichst.

- Support your message with credible and relevant evidence, statistics, or examples. - Use logical arguments to explain the reasoning behind your ideas or recommendations. - Anticipate potential counterarguments and address them with well-reasoned responses.

As public speakers, our ultimate goal is not just to convey information but to create a lasting impact. One of the most potent tools at our disposal is the ability to appeal to the emotions A good book that delves into the same is "The Storyteller's Secret" by Carmine Gallo which provides insights into crafting and delivering compelling narratives that evoke emotions. In a recent keynote, I shared a personal story of overcoming a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The audience transformed into an engaged community. The emotional connection forged and resonated deeply with the audience. Maya Angelou was right, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Humor is the greatest balm of interpersonal efficacy, of all. Irrespective of how ferocious your audience, if you get them smilin’, you’ve taken an enormous step in the right direction. Consider this line: “If you’re going to tell your audience the truth, get them laughing first; otherwise, they’ll kill you.” Hyperbole aside, this profundity is worth our attention. Now, if you happen to not be funny, forgo this lesson. Don’t force it; nothing is worse than the humdrum comedian. For all others, do what my friend Carrot Top teaches, “Let it rip, and take a sip.”

You can either deliver your speech in a strategic way or an authentic way. I have found authenticity is paramount when trying to connect or build rapport with your audience. The odd smile, a gentle nod even a thumbs up shows that your audience are connecting with your message so you need to stay vigilant in order to react to the emotion in the room. Use these responses to emphasise your message because you will come across more meaningful.

Touching the emotional chords of your audience is a powerful tool in public speaking. It's not just about sharing information, but also about evoking feelings that can leave a lasting impact. The potential to change someone's life through your words is an extraordinary privilege. Strive to reach this level - it's truly rewarding!

Facts tell, stories sell. When you make the session all about your audience, they can feel it and will be more willing to listen to what you are sharing. If you are there to boast, they can sense it and will shut down immediately

When it comes to overcoming resistance when speaking in public, addressing counterarguments directly is vital. Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and present compelling responses. For example, if advocating for a controversial policy, anticipate concerns and provide well-reasoned solutions. By acknowledging and addressing counterarguments, you demonstrate thorough understanding and credibility, making your audience more open to your perspective.

Some interesting perspectives here. I like @Avi Wolfson's take. Some of the others are about controlling the environment so as not to address counter views to the issue you are speaking about. My take on this is that you will convert no one to your view. Build a bridge first. Acknowledge other points of view and use humor and respect to change the narrative to at least get an alternate point of view respected. Convincing someone who has zero belief in ESG is not helped by muzzling their view but by getting them to take the first step on single use plastics for example.

I highly recommend the book Verbal Judo. It has helped me understand the use of someone else's momentum redirected to get them to where they should go. It is far easier to absorb a criticism than to try and counter the argument. Also remember, you are armed with the microphone. Wield the tool gently and with respect for the audience.

There are always going to be people who have a different view to you on what you are speaking about. Listen to feedback and counter arguments without being defensive. Think about how you can learn from each other and try and address the counter argument with empathy. Everyone has different ideas and perspectives.

In public speaking, addressing counterarguments effectively can reduce resistance. Acknowledge potential objections upfront and respectfully provide counterpoints. This approach demonstrates your understanding of different perspectives and strengthens the credibility of your message. It also shows that you value and have considered alternate viewpoints.

Gonna disagree with the AI content here. While a call to action is of critical importance, it alone will never overcome resistance. An emotional connection, compelling narrative, inspiring story, or respectful dialogue can all overcome resistance and help lead to a call to action that is effective but thinking that you are going to pull your audience that is actively resisting your message around by using a call to action is misguided.

When public speaking, to overcome resistance, incorporating a compelling call to action is key. Encourage your audience to take a specific, achievable step aligned with your message. For instance, if promoting a sustainability initiative, urge listeners to adopt eco-friendly habits, like reducing single-use plastic. By providing a tangible and accessible action, you engage your audience and transform resistance into positive momentum toward your message's goals.

Conclude your speech with a clear and compelling call to action. Clearly articulate the next steps or actions you want your audience to take. Whether it's adopting a new mindset, implementing specific practices, or supporting a cause, a well-defined call to action provides a tangible direction that aligns with your message.

Use a story telling technique.. That's make intrest in audience so they are eager to listen you.. You will also use some idioms and shlok in between your public speaking it gives a wonderful effect on the public ?????

I doubt whether a clear call-to-action is appropriate. It really depends on the case. If you're selling a shampoo and have overcome resistance of your prospect, yes, it is good to remind the buyer to buy the product. If you just told your employees you will downsize 20%, maybe it is good that you give them time to let the message sink in.

Avoid debate-like events that are point-counterpoint. You should not share the stage with someone who may refute your ideas, use ad hominem attacks, or try to erode your authority. You are paid to be a speaker because of your work and position. Speaking at an event where someone will share the stage with you and push back on your content can hurt your frame, reputation, and confidence. It's fine if someone opposing you speaks before or after you do. That's fine. But do not share the stage with them. Why? Think of how horrible many U.S. presidential debates are. They can be total clown shows. And you don't want that. How can I prevent it? Use contract clauses describing your participation as a "keynote" to prevent on-stage debates.

I well remember an event during my first Corporate job at a large tech company. There were two speakers - the CEO and the President. The CEO was a super engaging "performer." The President wasn't as animated but gave a very interesting talk as a "speaker" or "teacher." It was clear to me that if I could mix these two people, I'd get a most excellent result. I learned at that time it would serve me best to attempt to bring both attributes to my own speaking engagements. It's so important to be engaging, and it's very important to share information people need to hear. I still think of those two people when I develop a presentation. My best advice is for you to do the same :)

Glossophobia, or fear of public speaking is common and natural, especially for first time speakers, and for experienced speakers addressing a new demographics of audience. Here is what to consider: 1. Anticipate resistance or disengagement: Being prepared helps counter the resistance better. 2. Be open to questions: It is not important for the speaker to know all the answers, but being open conveys a positive approach. 3. Know your topic: nothing disengages an audience faster than a speaker who does not seem prepared about the topic they are delivering. And Finally... Be yourself!!! All speakers have their own style and though it is not bad to emulate good speakers, it is better that a speaker eventually develops his / her own style.

Know your audience, speak in their language and focus on at most three ideas you want people to remember. I've spoken with numerous startups and messaging is so hard for them to grasp. Politics teaches you to be brief, to be direct and to understand that the listener doesn't want to be lectured. When I speak, I try to remember that most of the attendees want to learn something and want you to do it in an entertaining way. Sorry, but you are competing with smart phones, social media, streaming and instant gratification. And keep in mind that the person sitting in front of you is always saying to themselves, "What does this mean to me?". It doesn't matter what you think is important, it matters what the listener thinks is important.

L’essentiel pour captiver votre public est de lui parler de lui et pas de vous . Ce que vous présentez doit être connecté à votre auditoire dès la prise de parole , afin de l’emmener avec vous . Pour le reste , allez chercher les regards , posez des questions , utiliser les silences , arme fatale !