How to present to your audience

Imagine sitting in a lesson at school or university where you don’t have a clue what the teacher or lecturer is going on about. Perhaps it is a foreign language; tech that you have never experienced before, or the terminology isn’t familiar to you. Possibly the delivery isn’t engaging - I have to confess that I slept through at least one lecture at university where the delivery was SO boring….

It is exactly the same feeling for an audience when a presenter doesn’t engage the audience. Perhaps they are boring - like the University lecturer I had(!) Rather more specifically, they are sharing information or using examples that mean nothing to you.

I often use the example of a speaker from the USA who spoke to a predominantly female professional audience in UK. He used examples of baseball throughout the 45 speech; with technical terms and names of ‘famous’ baseball players. He lost his audience very quickly. Baseball isn’t mainstream - especially for women in UK. Ditto a male speaker from the UK who always uses Cricket Terms throughout his speeches.?

For the UK speaker, if his audience is predominantly people who follow cricket - fine, however you are not engaging your audience otherwise.

Rather like the university lectures where you feel you are in the wrong room, understanding your audience and their expectations in attending, is key to a successful presentation or speech. Here are some points to consider to ensure you present to your audience - not the one from last week!

• Ask the organiser what the purpose of your presentation is
• What do the audience want to get out of the presentation?
• What is the demographic of the audience (if you have a specific age group, you could consider what examples will resonate with them)
• What is the speciality of the audience? For example are they mainly people from one sector, connected sectors or more general?
• I would also recommend asking if there are mainly men or women - just in case you have a desire to share all of your cricket quotes.

In the end you want to engage and connect with your audience rather than confuse, frustrate and make them switch off (or sleep). Taking time to consider these points is crucial; I want you to be a success!

NEWS

I have been working alongside other talented experts to write a book supporting Business Development for Women Lawyers. There is a wealth of expertise and information for female lawyers. More information here:?

https://www.globelawandbusiness.com/books/business-development-for-women-lawyers-second-edition

I am speaking at the Women in the Law conference in London on 26th September with an incredible lineup of speakers. It would be great to see you there. More information is here:

https://www.womeninthelawuk.com/women-in-the-law-uk-london-conference/ ?

I am swimming at the Serpentine Swim again in central London. I will be raising money for Age UK which supports elderly people in UK. This includes advice; company and lobbying the Government. If you are able I would be so grateful for some support. More information here https://2024swimserpentine.enthuse.com/pf/susan-wright

I always love to speak to people; if you have any queries or would information about any of the services we offer, please feel free to book a call https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat ?

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, former 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 currently creating AI learning options to increase the learning experiences for her clients.

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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