How can you tailor your speech to boost confidence and audience rapport?

The key to making real contact with the audience is to establish the principle of the oneness of humankind as a foundation for the advancement of civilization. This principle brings everyone into the circle of understanding.

Hone sincerity and engagement by imagining yourself among your listeners, even visualizing yourself facing the same direction as them. This cues the subconscious to be relatable and engaging, and helps avoid speaking "at" your audience.

Know your audience. Who are speaking to?? Then tailor your communication accordingly. Be Positive, lead with a personal story the audience can relate to. Provide examples related to the topic being discussed. Make eye contact often, smile and thank the audience for their time and attention.

Be authentic and speak to, not at, your audience. Eye contact throughout your presentation is critical. Speak with honesty and from the heart. Your notes will only get you so far if you’re truly trying to engage with your audience.

Being relatable is always a great plus. If your audience can see even a little bit of themself in you, it makes things a lot easier from there.

It is important to be aware of your audience, and do not offer a representative of yourself. Be authentic. Your message will make an impact without putting on a show.

Clear organization of your information will allow for the audience to follow the speech as you lead them through your topic. Using a visual aid like PowerPoint can be an effective tool to keep the audience following along and engaged. Rehearsal can help you infuse your speech with emotion, humor, or empathy, making your message more resonant.

Connect with your audience by tailoring the speech to personalize what they are going through. Share personal experiences or relevant stories to illustrate your points and to draw the audience in.

When I’m speaking I use a lot of anecdotes and experiences I’ve had. Giving the human voice behind the presentation makes connection to the audience and you become more trustworthy.

When speaking to an audience outside your industry it’s important to not use jargon they wouldn’t understand. If you can’t get around some jargon, take the time to define and explain it to your audience.

Find out as much as you can about your audience. What is the demographic? What are their primary concerns? Use stories when applicable. I am a vessel that is there deliver the message. It is not about me. Whenever I open my mouth, I want to share information with my audience that empowers them. My goal is ALWAYS that they leave better after hearing whatever came out of my mouth.

Starting your talk by asking the audience questions is a good way to get them engaged immediately. Having to listen to their answers and respond, can help you ease any anxiety.

Being well-versed in your topic helps you deliver a more engaging, informative, and credible speech. Knowing about ten times more information than what you plan to present is recommended. This will give you a depth of knowledge to draw from as you teach. Also, practice, practice, practice. This will make you confident as you deliver your speech

Depending on your audience weave two or more life stories into your presentation. It is especially effective (if it appropriate) to share your own story. Doing so helps the audience to both trust and engage with your message.