When asked, "What is the number one secret of great presentation?"

My reply was, "Although there is no one secret, if there were, it would be that your subject is of interest to your audience."

Your relationship with your audience is one of the most critical factors to determine the success of your presentation. When you master the art of connection it will set you apart whether you are addressing 5, 50, or 500 people. Knowing how to build that relationship from the beginning is one of the secrets to speaking with confidence and authority.

How To Make a Genuine Connection

The two ways to connect with your audience are intellectually and emotionally. Logic makes us think, emotion makes us act.

Intellectual Connection: This comes from the quality of your content and the clarity with which you present it. Use logical arguments, data, charts, statistics, and survey results to back up your case. This type of information appeals to the brain's rational part, helping your audience understand the value of your message.

Emotional Connection: Emotion is what makes your message stick. There are three essential methods to connect with your audience emotionally:

Tell Stories: People relate to stories. It makes your message feel real, personal, and engaging.

Use "You-Focused" Language: I often discuss the "I-You Ratio." In other words, your audience hears "you" far more positively than "I." Keep track of how many times you say "you" or "us" versus "I." It shifts the focus to them, where the magic happens.

Speak as an Audience Advocate: Tailor your content to reflect your audience's needs, concerns, and interests. They want to know how your message benefits them, so always look through their eyes. This approach is crucial when explaining a strategy, presenting data, or offering advice.

Remember: Building a relationship with your audience takes more than delivering information.