Having to give a speech in front of a crowd is definitely not something everyone enjoys. We could even say that it is one of the worst nightmares of some people. Stage panic is very common and even the most experienced speakers have been victims of it at some point in their careers.
There are many ways to overcome stage fright and promote relaxation in the speaker, one of the most classic being to imagine the audience in smaller cloths. However, to be a successful speaker that captivates the audience, breaking free from stage fright is just the first step on a long and winding path.
Even if being in front of the audience is not a discomfort, there is still the problem of the presentation itself. What if the audience doesn't find it interesting? How to face indifference, disinterest and impatient glances at the clock? How to arouse enthusiasm among listeners?
It certainly may sound like a cliché, but empathy, putting yourself in the shoes of others, is always the basis when developing an activity that focuses on approaching other people. You need to know the audience as much as possible. Who are they? What things do they all have in common? What topics do you find interesting and what topics bore you? Only by having a deep understanding of the listeners will it be possible to design a conference, speech or exhibition that will keep them on the edge of the chair, enthusiastic and actively participating in the transmission of information.
It is a good idea to design a list of listeners' general characteristics and think about what kinds of things they would like to hear. If the presentation should be on a specific topic or should promote a product or service, for example, then it will be necessary to find a relationship between the topic to be discussed and the interests of the listeners.
For example, let's say that the audience is made up mostly of young adults, ages 21-25, and the topic to be discussed is about health insurance. At first glance, this would be a bleak picture for a speaker, but with an analysis of the listeners the opportunities and ways of approaching them will begin to emerge on their own. Perhaps some of them have already been through some kind of family crisis, so they understand the importance of insurance. Many of them may be focused on their studies and professional development, so worrying about insurance has been left in the background. For them, reminding them that everything in the world means nothing without good health will surely have a positive effect.
Regardless of the audience in question or your preferences, you always have to stay dynamic, interesting, make it an experience for listeners. Get them actively involved, stay cool and unpredictable, use fun jokes and comments to break the ice, and be sure to give them little "sips" of information about what you're trying to promote hidden between each of your efforts. Remember, a good speaker is not one who knows how to speak, but one who knows how to be heard.
