Those Wonderful People in the Dark!

I often tell my online audiences the "WHY" that got me to do the work I do; to help Speakers, Presenters & Authors get the best impact with their material. Because I usually tell the short version, I thought to share the bigger story here today.

My inspiration comes from the film, SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950), directed by the great Billy Wilder. It is a remarkable movie, and they just don't tell stories as well-crafted as that anymore in the flickers. In the final scenes the lead character of Norma Desmond, a once-famous movie star, has gone quite insane and killed her lover. Moments before the says that popular line, "I'm ready for my Close Up, Mr. de Mille!", she pauses to share her thoughts with the camera.

A delusional Norma reflects about how happy it makes her to be working on a film again, (mistakenly thinking the press cameras that witness her demise, to be film crew). She talks about how she missed the lights, cameras and action of Hollywood; but most of all, how she appreciates her dedicated audiences. And she refers to them as her WONDERFUL PEOPLE OUT THERE IN THE DARK, watching her.

Here's the reason this movie moment really speaks to me, albeit a little eerie too. Norma's motivation is filled with such deep respect and gratitude for those patient viewers in the cinema. I sat there watching and suddenly thought: "I am one of those people in the dark!"

You see, since the grand move to digitisation about two years ago, many viewers have been sitting in the dark, WISHING that speakers and presenters would show them a little respect. They may not all be able to put their finger on it right away, but they sense when authenticity is lacking. Or when someone hasn't prepared well. Or wastes their time.

The really scary part is that online viewers do have their finger on a trackpad of their laptop or a mouse. And they click away fast!

There is a deep respect that every presenter or speaker online should have for their audiences, who have taken the time out to watch our material. Hollywood can never take it for granted that viewers will simply show up in droves, and neither should you. Film & TV Producers work hard to craft every moment of their material to ensure a fantastical and memorable experience. Right up to the last moment when the credits roll. And so should YOU, if you're going to present video in this space.

And viewers are smart. They know when an experience really delivers. That makes them go out and talk about it and generate even more viewers for such a film or TV show. And since every presenter and speaker online really aims to land their ideas with impact, it makes sense that there are great lessons to learn from this craft.

Ideas to hold Audience Retention

More than draw inspiration and the story of my "WHY", I also learnt a lot from this notion of "Wonderful People in the Dark."

• Find your True LOVE and commitment to a topic. If you speak with passion, share from your heart, your audience will appreciate and respond.
• As speaker or presenter, you need to have respect for your audience. They've taken the time out to listen to you. Don't squander that. Deliver VALUE.
• Explore moments of TRUTH & AUTHENTICITY. This is different from the first one; as you craft your message, ensure that there are moments of YOU to connect with the audience and build TRUST.
• And of course, just like Norma, be PREPARED. Take a deep breath and jump into that CLOSE UP. Your audience wants to see you, the sparkle in your eyes. Remember to lean into camera to help emphasise the important things you share.

As someone who represents those wonderful people in the dark, listening to what you're going to say in your next online video or webinar, I look forward to comments and feedback. Remember that I am a DM away to help you craft your message for deeper impact!