Create Common Ground With Your Audience

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When connecting with an audience, think of it as building a pathway from their heart to yours. It’s all about finding common ground. By highlighting shared experiences and goals, you create a bridge that makes them comfortable enough to step over to your side.??

You don’t need to flaunt your achievements to earn their trust. It’s better to share your qualifications in a humble and relatable way. This approach helps you come across as credible without seeming arrogant.??

People come into a presentation with their own set of ideas and emotions. They naturally process the information into personal meaning, and it shapes their views. When you speak, make sure your message resonates on an individual level. Here are a couple of ways to create that common ground:??

Shared Experiences??

What do you possibly have in common from your past? Memories from previous company events, historical product experience, or personal interests? ??

Common Goals??

What outcomes do you both desire? Where are you headed in the future? ??

Qualifications??

What similar journey have you gone on with a positive outcome? Why are you uniquely qualified to be their guide???

If you have trouble coming up with ideas, use an AI tool! Remember to be descriptive and specific in the prompting.??

Establishing how you’re alike also clarifies how you’re different.?Once you know where the overlaps in experiences and values lie, you can better understand the unique aspects outside this shared space. You need to address these areas thoughtfully to bring your audience on board. ??

For a full checklist of tips, download our free Audience Needs Map? to help you further!?

If you do your homework, your audience will feel like a good friend.?And friends have a unique ability to influence and inspire each other. You’ve got this!?

Thanks for reading,??

You can learn more about this topic in the Resonate workshop.?

Want to know more about storytelling in business? The expert communication consultants, creatives, trainers, and coaches at Duarte, Inc. are here to help. Whether you choose to learn from us or work with us, we’ll transform how you and your teams communicate using the Duarte Method?. Contact us to speak with a representative – we look forward to hearing from you!?