Be a Chameleon for Different Audiences

I remember the first time I saw a chameleon in the wild: in rural Kenya. At first I didn’t spot it, but once I saw it, I was mesmerised at its ability to merge with its environment; blending in. I played with light, putting the chameleon into the shadow and it changed colour again! Adapting to different environments is part of its survival.

I thought of the chameleon when I read a post recently on different styles of speaker delivery: specifically putting speakers into different categories. The post ‘identified’ the different characteristics of speakers’ delivery and performance - from a speaker who stands behind a lectern; a political speaker through to the motivational speaker who struts across the stage; fist pumps; encouraging you to applaud!!

Yes: everyone has a natural persona, character and style when speaking: and with ‘speaking’ I do not exclusively refer to public speaking. This also means presentations; pitching; sharing an opinion, meetings….?

HOWEVER categorising speakers and presenters into a box or ‘type’ is at the very least, naive and sends the message that a presenter only works in a specific situation. As a very experienced presenter and speaker, I will always assess the atmosphere in the room, as well as the energy the previous speaker is sharing to create a contrast. Being able to adapt in all speaking situations is crucial for success; to influence and make an impact.

Watch Vivian Ta’s TEDX talk on “Communication in the 21st Century: Is it what you say, not how you say it?” Where she challenges people to adapt to different messages and situations when they speak.?

Video: https://youtu.be/laDnZ_FWyhM?si=bOzGgm0NXVQ3oHuK ?

Here are some points to consider to ADAPT your performance

• The situation - for example the performance space. There are spaces where the only place to stand is behind a lectern. You will have to adapt especially if your preference is to move around the room. Likewise the shape of the room might be ‘Odd’: I recently presented in a room where the stage was across a very wide room. In order to ensure the audience at both sides of the stage were engaged, it was important to move to different parts of the stage. Likewise if the room is long and thin, you will need to consider how to project your personality and performance to the audience at the back of the room.?
• Size of audience and space - if you are speaking to six people in a meeting - or pitching event, you will have to adapt your natural style to engage with those six people. Likewise if you are speaking to 600 or more people this is a very style. The space will be bigger and you will need to fill it with your personality and presence. Unless you are very skilled, hiding behind a lectern won’t work for you!?
• The time - when you are scheduled to speak in an event or meeting. This could be critical. At conferences, I have observed the first speaker setting the mood of the conference in a positive and negative way. If the first person is low energy, the audience will pick this up. The following speakers will need to step up to increase the energy and enthusiasm in the room. Likewise an ‘energetic’ dynamic speaker could wake up the audience at the beginning of the day. I often speak to speakers who say “I’m in the graveyard slot” - in other words, straight after lunch, where everyone is relaxed and possibly wants to have a nap (!) They will need to adapt their presentation accordingly - without risking indigestion! The last speaker at an event will be likely to be chosen because they have a motivational message or even be entertaining. They will adapt accordingly! However, if you are presenting within a meeting or sharing an opinion within a meeting it is also important to consider the order and where you are scheduled to speak. You should be aware of the order - especially if you are first or last. I have known people who are last on the agenda being cut or only give a short time because other items have taken up too much time. How could you quickly adapt to ensure your presentation or opinion still makes an impact?
• The audience - there are audiences who prefer a quieter, calmer presentation style, whilst others are more open to a variety of different styles. If you want to go down well, you will need to understand the preferred style of the audience and the industry you are speaking to. You don’t want to ‘Frighten the horses’
• Context - what is the environment or event? Is it a formal meeting with an agenda; an awayday where ideas are being shared; educating or sharing news; even motivating and inspiring? You also need to consider, again what outcomes are required - both for yourself and the organiser.
• The Purpose - why have you been asked to speak? Why are you speaking? Have you been asked to share specific information; educate; inspire or even motivate. Taking time to understand this by asking questions including what outcomes are desired is important. You will need to be clear about this and adapt accordingly. This could be the speaker ‘slot’ you are in; the subject matter, even your aim to influence others in decision making.?
• The message - I spend a lot of time considering how you match what you say with HOW you say it. This also relates to the performance aspect. If you have serious news, being a fist pumping, high energy motivational speaker might not, necessarily match the message…. Likewise the lectern lurker is going to be less effective at sharing great news and success stories. Adapt accordingly.
• What’s going on - I am not the only speaker or presenter who has been aware of “Situations” outside the room. These could include a natural disaster, terrible news within a region or even that part of the audience has just discovered they are losing their jobs. I trust you would be told beforehand if redundancies had been announced…. And doing the motivational fist pump delivery style is unlikely to be appropriate in those situations.? Keep up to date with any internal news: you might wish to celebrate an internal success; likewise national news requires diplomacy and sensitivity.?

I am ALL for creating authentic presenting styles; however, the best speakers and presenters adapt to different situations and audiences.

In September I am swimming in the Serpentine Swim. For anyone asking, this is a lake in Hyde Park, Central London. Whilst it isn’t as filthy as the River Seine in Paris, there are ducks and swans swimming there, which adds to the challenge!

I will be fundraising for Age UK which is an organisation providing support, advice and activities for elderly people living in the United Kingdom. My mother is 89. Until recently she used to volunteer in the local Age UK shop. More recently, she has had advice.?

If you are able, I would be so grateful if you could support my fundraising. The link is below.

https://2024swimserpentine.enthuse.com/pf/susan-wright

Until next time,

Best wishes

Susan

Thank you very much for continuing to support the SuperStar Communicator newsletter.?

About the author:

Susan Heaton-Wright is the founder and creator of the SuperStar Communicator? methodology; international speaker, facilitator, coach, author, former prize winning international opera singer and podcaster.

Susan is best known for empowering emerging leaders all over the world to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility; through her speeches, by facilitating masterclasses and workshops and by coaching talented individuals. Since 2020 she has delivered virtual masterclasses and workshops to attendees from more than 130 countries world wide and has won a number of awards for her work.

She is curious for any changes in communication changes and especially in a technical world. Keeping the human element in communication is essential for the maximum impact! Susan co-hosts live streamed discussions with business leaders and is the co-host of the SuperStar Communicator Podcast.?

?Susan facilitates workshops - face to face and virtually on a range of topics:?

• Presentation Skills
• Public Speaking
• Assertiveness Skills
• Having difficult conversations
• Women in Leadership Communication
• How to Demonstrate Credibility
• How to be Positively Disruptive
• Networking Skills

These topics are also available as masterclasses.

I also coach talented people on being more impactful for career progression. Do contact me for more information on the one to one coaching services on communication skills I offer.

And as a speaker Susan delivers speeches on:

• How to demonstrate credibility
• Women in Leadership Communication
• Be a SuperStar Communicator: be seen, be heard, make an impact

Why not challenge your communication skills with our 30 Day planner. Purchase here.

When not working, Susan designs and sews her own wardrobe; surfs, swims and plays the viola in an orchestra. She fundraises for the Alzheimers Society, The Isabel Hospice and supports the St Albans PostBoxes Charity.

Why not connect with her on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/susanheatonwright ?

If you wish to arrange a call: you can book here: https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat ?

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