Public Speaking Rapport
Talk to your audience… not at them
I’ve just had a great long weekend in London. I took Friday off and went down on the train. Had a stroll on the embankment, visited the Tower of London and the highlight of the weekend… a visit to the Globe theatre to see A Midsummer Nights Dream.
The Globe theatre is constructed in the original Shakespearian style, circular on plan with an open air section in front of the stage. This is theatre as Shakespeare meant it to be – theatre in the raw.
The layout allows the actors to interact with the audience, to form a bond, to pull them into the play. Public Speakers call this interaction "Rapport" and that’s what this post is all about… Rapport.
A speech is not a monologue
As a Public Speaker you should never think of your speech as a monologue, a one way process. Although only one person speaks, a speech is still a two way process between the speaker and the audience. Your job is to establish and reinforce that interaction, to make the audience feel involved.
"A speech, even a boardroom presentation, is live theatre… More important, what makes a memorable speech is the same thing that makes a memorable stage play, the quality of the connection between the audience and the player."
Tony Carlson from his book The How of Wow
Let’s see how the actors make that connection and then see how you can do the same in your speeches and presentations.
How the actors create Rapport
The layout of the Globe theatre increases the interaction between the actors and the audience. The stage is low and the audience closest to the stage are standing. The actors aren’t performing to a blacked out theatre, they can touch the audience, they can sense their reactions, they can see the whites of their eyes. But Shakespeare used lots of other tricks to create rapport with the audience.
- Humour – humour creates an immediate bond between the actors and the audience and the laughter of the audience is their way of taking part. Shakespeare could be described as the Max Miller of his day. Who’s Max Miller? Go ask your mum.
- Physical interaction – the low stage of the Globe plus the standing section of the audience directly in front of the stage, allows the actors easy access to the audience. They can go into the audience, they can make an entrance through the audience, they can become part of the audience and they can bring audience members onto the stage.
- Provoke a response from the audience – humour is the easiest way to provoke a response from the audience – you say something funny and the audience laugh – but there are other techniques that the actors use.
- Spoof sympathy – you’ve seen this a thousand times. The actor comes to the front of the stage, looks at the audience and says something like… " I’m all alone, nobody loves me." and then pretends to cry. The audience know it’s a spoof but they still join in and say… Awwwww. That’s the response the actor is looking for.
- Stun the audience into silence – sometimes the loudest response of all… can be silence. There are moments of great sadness in Shakespeare’s plays and at those moments, you can hear a pin drop.
- Adlib responses to the audience – Elizabethan audiences showed no reverence for the Bard’s work. They shouted out whenever they felt like it. Audiences at the Globe are more subdued but they still shout out comments… and how they love it when the actor comes back with a reply. In the production I saw several of the actors came out of character and entered into the banter with the audience… went down an absolute storm.
"Books have been written about the power of theatre, but they all boil down to one thing: entertainment. Theatre engages our senses, our sensibilities. It makes us aware of the subtleties and ironies of life."
Tony Carlson from his book The How of Wow
That’s how the actors create rapport… now it’s your turn.
How you can add Rapport to your Speeches and Presentations
So what can you learn from Shakespeare? What can you steal to help you create rapport with your audience? Surprisingly… rather a lot. Here are a few techniques to get you started.
- Eye contact – interaction with the audience starts with eye contact. The majority of the time you should be looking at the audience, not down at your notes.For a few pointers on maintaining good eye contact, take a look at my post – Eye Contact in Public Speaking.
- Watch your I / You ratio – this is an idea from Patricia Fripp, she explains that to make sure that the audience feel included in your speech make sure that you use the word You more than you use the word I.
- Humour – one of the easiest ways to build a bridge to your audience and get feedback. What’s the feedback? Laughter… or lack of it in my case. Don’t forget that humour in speeches is not about telling jokes it’s about making the points you want to make but in a humourous way. For ideas on adding humour to your speeches and presentations check out my post – Public speaking humour.
- Ask a question – easy to get a response from the audience if you ask them a question. Two types of questions you can use are:
- Real question – this is a question where you expect a reply, such as:
"Has anybody bought a ticket for the 2012 Olympics?" - Rhetorical question – this is a question where you don’t expect a reply, such as.
"Is the world such a bad place?"
Whatever type of question you ask…… make sure that you pause, look at the audience, wait for the response and if appropriate, give a reply.
- Real question – this is a question where you expect a reply, such as:
- Provoke a response from the audience – you can use the Spoof Sympathy or Stun the audience into silence as the actors do or try the methods below:
- Ask them to do something.
"Put your hand up if you drove here tonight." - Ask them to think about something – this is the mental equivalent of asking them to do something.
"Think about your first day at school. Were you happy? Were you sad? Did you cry for your mum?" - Pretend that you’ve forgotten something, hesitate and get the audience to shout out the answer.
"That actress in Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica…….. " – if you scratch your head and pretend that you’ve forgotten the name, someone in the audience will shout out "Parker" and you can say "thank you sir / madam, I was having a senior moment."
A great way to involve the audience…… provoke a responce.
- Ask them to do something.
- Adlib – you don’t have to stick rigidly to your script. If something goes wrong, if someone says something, you can use the opportunity to throw in a few adlibs and interact with the audience.
"A speech is not about facts and numbers; it’s about story, meaning. A memorable speech rests on the quality of the connection between the speaker and the audience. Use techniques of theatre – plot, character, suspense – to connect."
Tony Carlson from his book The How of Wow
Take another look at the quote above, especially the bit that says "A memorable speech rests on the quality of the connection between the speaker and the audience." and make sure that in your next speech or presentation… you make that connection.
You are taking a risk whenever you use Rapport
Once you start interacting with the audience… you can’t predict what’s going to happen. So in that sense you’re taking a risk. To help reduce that risk make sure that you prepare. If you ask a question…. what responses might come back, if anything goes wrong… what will you say. It always helps… if you can prepare those great saver lines and adlibs.
Add Rapport to your Speeches and Presentations
Take a look at your own speeches. Are they monologues or do you include the audience? Take another look at the various techniques for creating rapport, pick out two or three for your next speech and don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know which work for you.
Credits:
My thanks and gratitude to:
Francisco Rojas for Buckingham Palace / Guards photo on flickr
Kai Chan Vong for Tower Bridge photo on flickr
Graeme Weatherston for Millenium Bridge / St Pauls photo on free digital photos
Special thanks to the Globe Theatre for allowing me to use the top graphic "William Gaunt plays Worcester in Henry IV Part 1 at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Copyright John Haynes 2010"
Particular thanks to Sian-Estelle Petty Communications Assistant at the Globe for her help, assistance and support.
A message from the Globe.
“Due to high box office demand Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has extended the 2010 Kings and Rogues season with an additional 8 performances of Henry IV Part 1 and Henry IV Part 2. The season will now close on 9 October.”
If you’re planning a visit to London treat yourself to a fantastic evening at the Globe. Visit the Globe Theatre booking office and make a booking.
115 Responses 
Leave a Reply 
It’s been many years since I did any real public speaking. Now I just blog. But it occurred to me that many of the techniques that you mention here, I have translated into how I write.
After all engaging readers is at least as important as engaging an audience who listens to a speech.
Well whatdaya know!
Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella´s last great post ..13 Free Ways To Manage And Rotate Ads In WordPress
Thanks for stopping by Joella and leaving a comment.
I agree, the more I write blog posts, the more I see that I use the same techniques as writing a speech.
Thanks for pointing out the connection.
Nice post Keith, It is always necessary to build rapport with the audience, otherwise, we will lose their interest. Thanks for sharing
Dia´s last great post ..How to become an emotionally intelligent person
Welcome Dia and thanks for your comment.
As you say – no rapport, no interest – vital to get the audience involved.
Hope you’ll drop by again.
Hi Keith
Firstly thanks for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.
I haven’t done any public speaking for awhile but I thought you have presented this topic really well. I’m sure those who are engaged in it will find this really helpful.
BTW love your photos. I lived and worked in the UK for many years and loved it. All the history and culture. Brought back some great memories.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia´s last great post ..Lavender Health-Embracing An Organic Lifestyle
Welcome Patricia
Enjoyed leaving a comment on your blog and I enjoyed your article.
You could spend a month in London and still not see everything… fantastic city.
Thanks for your kind words, hope you’ll be a regular visitor.
Hi Keith,
Another terrific post! Live theater and speech have so much in common. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge with us.
Angela Artemis´s last great post ..How To Be Your Best – Surround Yourself with Inspiring People!
Great to see you back Angela
Go easy on the “vast knowledge” you’ll have me blushing. LOL
Glad you liked the post.
Hi Keith,
It’s always nice to read your posts as I always learn something. You present the information real well and I can only imagine what it would really be like to hear you speak, absolutely fantastic I bet! I agree, that it is important to talk to your audience, engage them and build that rapport. After all, you want them to feel comfortable and that you are speaking to them and not at them. When you do this, you will capture their attention and will more that likely increase their retention to what you have to say. Take care and all the best to you!
Anna
Anna Haller´s last great post ..Finding Direction
Hi Anna
If you can make it over to the UK, I would like to offer you a job… as my publicist. LOL
Thanks for your generous words.
Looking at all the work you do on your blog, I’m surprised to see your comment, but I am pleasantly surprised.
Hope your hard work brings results.
Hi Keith. Well, I know for sure that you create rapport with your writing! Great article. I love it when a speaker asks a question–that always engages me. I’m big on eye contact too because the speech takes on a conversational feel for me then.
I’m trying not to be envious of your London visit
Jean Sarauer´s last great post ..How to Criticize Our Fellow Bloggers
Hi Jean
Frightened me to death when I saw the title of your latest post – “How to Criticize Our Fellow Bloggers” – oh no I thought. LOL
You are so right about eye contact – as you say the speech then becomes a conversation, a two way process.
Keep up the great work over at Virgin Bloggers.
Hi Keith,
From an audience perspective, I find speakers who engage the audience much more intersting and memorable.
I want to feel challenged and stimulated so the use of questions is great for me, and humour is always great.
I like the idea of I/you ratio, something I have never considered before but makes perfect sense!
On another note I live about 30 mins from the globe theatre, still haven’t been so you have inspired me, I’m going to book!
Hi Kate
Yes the I / You ratio is so obvious but lots of speakers keep saying I!
Wow… 30 mins from the Globe, now I’m starting to feel jealous.
Do go along, you’ll love it.
BTW – didn’t realise you were in the UK.
Hi Keith
Great blog post Keith. This is a really useful summary of all the elements that make a good presentation. And I have to agree with Joella about the similarities between writing and speaking. I’ll be referring back to your site in the future. Thank you.
Louise
Louise Steiner´s last great post ..Article Marketing SEO – 5 Simple Strategies For Effective Article Marketing SEO
Welcome Louise
You’re right… there are so many similarities.
Only problem with writing in a conversational style is that when I write business reports I have to remember to be more formal.
See you next time.
Keith, it amazes me how you use example to draw people into your post. I reckon that’s probably another trick that you use in public speaking?
Although I’m not one to do it personally, I’ve been in the audience and I can say it’s true, those that can engage the crowd get their attention, those that don’t have them day dreaming about being somewhere else.
Sire´s last great post ..How To Save Time Replying To Comments
Always good to hear from you Sire and thanks for the kind words.
The beginning of a speech is so important – you can lose most of the audience in thirty seconds if you don’t grab their attention.
I spend hours working on speech beginnings and I often write a whole speech just to fit a great intro.
Until next time.
Keith:
I really enjoyed your post. I do give a monthly presentation at my full-time job and thinking back I do recognize that some months I do a better job engaging my audience than other months. I have come to the conclusion that it is based upon my mood for that day.
I try to do a better job of this when it comes to my blog. I can’t say that is always the case but I am still learning and your post is perfect for me.
I will also remember to follow some of the techniques when I create videos for my audience.
Thanks so much!
- Rick
Rick Byrd´s last great post ..Should We Remove the Dates From Our Blogs Posts
Good to have your comment Rick – appreciate you taking the time.
Glad you liked the post – hope the info helps with your videos. Look forward to seeing the results.
Please stop by again.
I enjoyed your analysis of the speech versus the monologue and also of thinking that I was in UK for 15 days just this last year to celebrate my 60th birthday – 5 days of it in London and we sent to see the Musical about the witches of OZ – that was amazing – though I did have a difficult time getting out of the theatre with no hand rails…I had to sit on my bottom and scoot down!
I did not make it to the Globe…
I am thinking that this post was a great analysis of that last wedding I officiated, as I truly held 150 folks in the palm of my words for about 25 minutes by speaking to them and making the bloopers by the wedding party smooth..
Thinking about Sir Ken Robinson too…Maybe I was meant to do more public speaking…
?
Very stimulating post and good writing Thank you for sharing
Patricia´s last great post ..SMILING ON A BEAUTIFUL MORNING
Patricia… are you kidding me?
150 people for 25 minutes, sounds as though you don’t need to read my posts. LOL
Glad you enjoyed your visit to London and hope the business with the handrail didn’t spoil your visit to the theatre.
Thanks for your generous contribution to the comments.
It took me 40 years of practice to achieve that moment of success…and I did not even tell a joke…I too write out every word and practice it for weeks.
The handrail and the depth of the stairs just scared me a bit about being old…No the musical was fabulous and wish we had seen Billie Elliot too…
I would like to come back and take one of Joanna Peterson’s writing workshops in Scotland…I do them on line but that would make it lovely ? Thanks for you reply
Patricia´s last great post ..SMILING ON A BEAUTIFUL MORNING
Keith,
Sounds like you had a great tour of London. Speaking and engaging with your audience always works in technical talks, improves, comedies, plays and simple day to talking!
You have way with your writing too! great job Keith!
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s last great post ..Enlightment- An Awareness and Understanding
Hi Preeti
Always great to see your smiling face on your avatar – cheers me up.
Thanks for your comment – see you next time.
I am always acting proper when I see your avtar as it reminds me court Judge!
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s last great post ..Wisdom gained from our camping trip
Hi Preeti
Always enjoy seeing your smile.
Never thought that my avatar would give that impression… guess I’ll have to say…
Preeti, I find you guilty as charged, take her down. LOL
Hi Keith,
You’ve raised some great points in this post. I especially like how you suggest we get our audience involved. I know from experience when that has happened, not only does the message become clearer, but a speech which could otherwise be dull, becomes a fun experience.
I also agree with what Joella wrote about how public speaking and blogging/writing are similar. When we open the door to hear what our readers have to say, it can turn a blog post on nearly any topic into a real joy to read and become a part of.
P.S. It sounds like your trip to the Globe Theater was truly a memorable and learning experience.
Barbara Swafford´s last great post ..Beating A Dead Fish
Hi Barbara
When it’s done well… interacting with the audience creates a fantastic atmosphere.
Joella was spot on with that one – so many similarities.
Barbara if you ever visit London be sure and book an evening at the Globe. I live 30mins from Stratford-upon-Avon but the atmosphere at the Globe was better than anything I’ve experienced at Stratford!
I’m off now to “Beat the dead fish”
See you over there.
Another great post Keith! Rapport certainly is soooo important.
ASC club members all work our way through a series of ten assignments in order to gain our ASC Certificate of Achievement in Public Speaking. The ninth assignment of the ten is “Use of Rapport”, the last one before the Masterpiece which requires us to demonstrate our mastery of all of the previous nine levels.
Rapport is an essential skill to have honed without which that prized certificate would forever remain elusive.
Folks, if you live in and around Solihull – come along to our friendly club and try your hand at the ten ASC assignments – who knows you might even get good enough to be on the stage at the Globe one day – lol
Hilary Davis – ASC Midlands District President
Hi Hillers
Always good to get a comment from an ASC District President.
I’ll see you on the 8th Sept, I’m chairman for the first meeting of Sans Souci Speakers Club.
See you then and thanks for your comment.
Keith,
I liked this post and it comes at good time. My boyfriend is teaching a very large class and he’s struggling in some ways to keep their attention.
It just dawned on me that he’s actually giving a public presentation, as well teaching. I will refer him to this post and your site. I think he’d find it very helpful, like I do:~)
Sara´s last great post ..Guest Post- The Passport to Travel Home
Hi Sara
Always look forward to your comment.
Hope the information helps your boyfriend. Tell him that learning can actually be fun. Show him this quote…
“When the mouth is open for laughter, you may be able to shove in a little food for thought.”
I’ll be over shortly and see what you’re up to – guest post sounds interesting.
Hi
Having read all the posts on this particular subject, I have to agree with everything everybody else has said.We have all sat in audiences where the speaker might as well be in a sound-proof room, barely acknowledging that the audience is there. I personally pride myself on my use of eye-contact in establishing rapport. Humour is wonderful but a little scary when you wonder whether that sought-after laughter is ever going to come. Hilary mentioned Rapport as being our final assignment before the Masterpiece. I wonder whether it should be earlier in the process because once good rapport is established, then confidence is boosted.
Gwyneth
Hi Gwyneth
Thanks for finding time to comment.
First an ASC District President and then an ASC National President – can’t be bad.
Eye contact is one of the big secrets to public speaking success. Not pretend eye contact but real looking at someone and delivering the lines to that person.
Takes time to get the confidence to do it, but once you get there… wow!
I won’t forget that I owe you that alcoholic beverage. LOL
I love the concept that speeches are not monologues and that you need to engage the audience. It only takes me five minutes to begin to fall asleep when the speaker is not engaging enough and goes on and on describing something or other. For me, Adlib is one of the characteristics of a confident speaker that knows how to connect. In the end, “a speech is not about facts and numbers; it’s about story, meaning”.
Loving blessings!
Andrea DeBell – britetalk´s last great post ..How to Be Happy Despite Your Partner’s “Flaws”
Hi Andrea
” It only takes me five minutes to begin to fall asleep when the speaker is not engaging enough”
That’s a great summary of my whole post.
Thanks for adding to the discussion and hope you’ll visit again.
> the quality of the connection between the audience and the player.”
Wise words of wisdom.
I think a key is the speaker’s conviction and how much it connects to your values.
J.D. Meier´s last great post ..Day 26 – Solve Problems with Skill
Hi JD
Conviction and enthusiasm are both essential for a good speech. Both help to keep the attention of the audience.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
What a lovely analogy, comparing public speaking to the theater! I do a little public speaking, and have ocassionally participated in theatre as a writer and actor. You’ve done a wonderful job with this piece and it makes me want to “up my game”!
Spot on! This bit of preparation is also a confidence booster for the speaker because it helps master the unknown. Of course, as you point out, you can’t predict everything, but handling this type of situation even once will dispel the fear.
BTW: Thanks for stopping by my blog. I followed you here from your comment; I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this article! Tweeted! and Stumbled!
Vernessa Taylor´s last great post ..5 Creative Ways to Use RSS Feeds To Spice Up Your Writing
Welcome Vernessa
Thanks for your kind words – hope this article does encourage you to “up your game” – go for it.
Preparation is vital – then you can make it all look spontaneous and as you say, it reduces the fear.
Enjoyed reading and commenting on your blog and hope to visit again.
Hey Keith,
Great post! I like the idea of the “i” and “you” ratio. I’d never have thought to count that, but it makes a lot of sense (Even looking at this comment now, I wonder if it’s something I should start applying here as well!).
Congratulations to your daughter on getting into Exeter! She did really well to get in, I’ve been hearing a lot of stories this year about ridiculous numbers of people having to be turned away. I’m sure she’s delighted the stress of waiting for the decision is over now! It’s fairly horrible just waiting for a result and not being able to do anything more
Hi Michael – love that avatar.
Yes the I / You thing is so obvious once it’s pointed out. Glad you liked it.
I showed my daughter your congrats message and she asked me to thank you.
Hope pliablepress is going well – love the themes you are producing over there. Clean and easy to read plus great colour combinations and layout.
BTW – you want to get the guy over at Pro Blog Design to review one of your themes – he’s very good. LOL
Thanks Keith! I’m definitely going to keep it in mind. I guess counting it exactly would be very hard when you’re speaking (At least, it would be if you don’t want to trip over your words at the same time), but you would at least have a general idea if you were leaning heavily to one side.
But haha, naa, I find that Pro Blog Design guy just prattles on a bit in his posts!
Hi Keith,
your post reminds me of interesting speeches I was lucky to participate in
You engage readers with a personal, full of nice and visual details story and smoothly combine it with a lot of practical advice, tips and useful info.
By the way, I really like London, I lived there for a while and it was cool to read about it here!
Justyna´s last great post ..RSS Feed Generator and Submission Plugin Review
Hi Justyna
I need to install the “top commenters” plugin, you would be right at the top – thanks for all your comments.
I might do a “thank you” post for all my commenters once I’ve been running for twelve months.
Good point – by engaging the audience first, they are more receptive to your main message.
Glad you liked your stay in London.
I used to think that Paris was my favourite city but now… it may be London.
Public speaking has never bothered me – memorize parts of what you are saying, know your topic, and talk to the people. it is a role; a chance to act I suppose… so this post and the theater drew me! My daughter recently ran in her school elections – my advice to her, know what you want to say, make a few notes if necessary, and talk to the students. She doesn’t mind speaking to crowds but that is likely a result of being on stage from the time she was three… and the child “sang” to 150 kids over the summer without any training or practice. I hope she never realizes that speaking is one of those things people fear more than anything else.
Great post – and good advice!
Welcome Exception
Great advice you give there, “know your topic and talk to the people”.
If you can get kids involved with drama and performance they just get on with it. Great start in life for later Public Speaking.
Appreciate your comment and hope you’ll visit again.
Hi Keith .. belated entrance this is! & an adlib .. you could so easily have called your post “Evocative London” ..wonderful pictures.
Great post .. sorry I’m so late – just had a lot on .. and I also want to go back to your previous post on Colour & decided I needed to do both at once.
This is really good .. you’re nudging me in the direction of a speaker’s club … know any down here (Eastbourne?)!!
I hate public speaking .. but since I’ve been reading articles and odd notes to my mother – I’ve had to do exactly what you say above – engage her, pause to give her time assimilate what I’m saying, allow her to interact (if she so wishes – quite often), turn the written word into a laughing comment – one we both can share in .. and laugh together, lighten my mode of speech, or go into vampire mode .. or, or, or …. and then the final or sub-final “what about this ..” as the next leading line – for next time or general discussion.
Having had these three years of interacting with both my mother and my uncle I just feel so much more confident about giving public speaking a go ..
Who knows?!
Just so glad you had such a wonderful trip to London – and now I definitely want to go to the Globe!
Off back to colour in my missing absorption .. in your previous colouring post -
This was an excellent post – thanks so much .. Hilary
Hilary´s last great post ..Glyphs- Ps and Qs- Murder
Hilary
Speakers Clubs in the Eastbourne area:
ASC club in Eastbourne
Club name Horsham
Venue The Tythe Barn (Holbrook Recreation Centre),
Pondtail Road,
Horsham RH12 5EZ
Meeting Dates 7.45pm on the 2nd and last Tuesday of the month
Telephone 01903 246 546 01903 246 546
E-Mail bazgoog@gmail.com
Web Site http://www.horshamspeakers.org.uk/
Toastmasters club in Eastbourne
http://www.eastbournespeakers.org.uk/
Hope that helps.
Let me know how it goes.
Keith
brilliant insight, “never think of your speech as a monologue, a one way process.” I often am not aware of what makes one speaker great and another just okay. As an audience member i can feel the difference, but not quite know what exactly it is.
You offer great insights and tips.
Aileen´s last great post ..“Make friendship a fine art”
Hi Aileen
Thanks for your kind words.
Good point you make… even though we don’t understand the mechanics, we all know when we have heard a good speech.
Hope you’ll visit again.
Hi Keith. Great advice on how to be a good public speaker. Engagement, humor, rapport – all so important to be an effective and interesting presenter. Now to just get past that dreaded fear of public speaking…. For me it is a toss-up between public speaking and death – which is stronger
Julie Weishaar´s last great post ..Don’t Underestimate the Power of Relationships Revisited
Welcome Julie – I love it when I get a new visitor.
Know what you mean about Public Speaking and death, although I would choose Public Speaking.
I think I said somewhere….
“I would rather lecture to a thousand people wearing only my socks than die.
But they are rather nice socks.” LOL
Please keep in touch.
When I perform a song, it scares me to make eye contact with the audience, but I find that when I do I really establish a connection with them, and so does the song.
Great post, Keith!
Jewel Allen´s last great post ..Like a Kid
Welcome back Jewel
I’ve never thought about eye contact for singers, I can’t sing a lick, but It’s vital for a speaker.
I’ve just read your latest post… brought back a few memories.
Appreciate your comment.
Keith Davis´s last great post ..Two way traffic
Keith
Would love to go to the Globe Theater.
The more I read on your blog the more I am convinced of taking a public speaking course.
”
# Humour – humour creates an immediate bond between the actors and the audience and the laughter of the audience is their way of taking part. Shakespeare could be described as the Max Miller of his day. Who’s Max Miller? Go ask your mum. ”
haha:) my mum doesn’t know Max Miller either.
btw…it is very incredible how we people rely on the impulses… humor and the connection!
thank you
M.
Martyna Bizdra´s last great post ..The Success Strategy of the richest man of the world
Where have you been Martyna?
I thought that you had retired from blogging. LOL
Believe me… if you are ever in London, make sure that you book a visit to the Globe. I loved every minute. Make sure that you book in advance.
If you do a Public Speaking course, don’t forget to let me know how it goes. If you can’t find a course, Google “Toastmasters”, they are an international organisation of Speakers Clubs. You should be able to find a club anywhere in the world.
Max Miller? was a very naughty music hall comedian. I would tell you one of his jokes… but you would never speak to me again. LOL
haha:)
Is it the same person as Groucho Marx?
))
“I find television very educational. Every time someone switches it on I go into another room and read a good book. ”
I will do the Globe, I am inspired!
and a Public Speaking course, do you know this time in life when you are excited about doing things that have been quite scary until then?
retiring? I have not even started yet!
ciao ciao:)
M.
Martyna Bizdra´s last great post ..The Success Strategy of the richest man of the world
Hey Keith, If forced to choose – I would definitely agree with you. Maybe you can get a pair of socks like my daughter had on yesterday – one neon green and one hot pink LOL
Julie Weishaar´s last great post ..Don’t Underestimate the Power of Relationships Revisited
Socks sound fantastic Julie
A pair like that would certainly liven up my speeches. LOL
Hi Keith,
I just wandered over here after receiving your comment on my blog. I love your site and the latest post! This is really good stuff. I give presentations and facilitate workshops pretty often, so I’ll definitely be back for more bits of wisdom
I love the Tony Carlson quote about the importance of connecting with the audience. In addition to what you’ve discussed, one of the things I do to really connect with the audience comes from the prep work before the presentation. As an internal consultant, that’s pretty easy since I’m really familiar with my organization and the employees.
It’s even more important with external consulting to really try to get a feel for that organization’s mission and culture in advance so that you can make the presentation as relevant as possible for them. If I can, I try to mingle with the participants as much as I can before the presentation. I know some presenters who are awesome at remembering the audience members’ names and using them throughout the presentation/workshop. I really admire that (I’m not great at remembering names) and think it adds a much more personal touch.
Thanks for the insights!
Adrienne´s last great post ..Be Prepared for Opportunities
Welcome Adrienne
Thanks for a fantastic contribution to the comments.
I’m with you on the Tony Carlson quote – comes from his book “The How of Wow” which is a great read for any Public Speaker.
You are spot on about personalising your presentations to a specific audience / organisation – they usually appreciate the effort you have made.
Hope you’ll become a regular visitor.
Joella’s comment is exactly the same observation that I made while reading your article. The same techniques that work when speaking publicly can be applied successfully to blogging.
Good post. Thanks for dropping by my blog. That’s how I found you!
Sherryl Perry´s last great post ..How Do Entrepreneurs and Sole Proprietors Juggle All Those Balls
Welcome Sherryl – thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
You and Joella are both right – blog writing and speech writing use exactly the same techniques.
Good thing about speech writing is that I can hide my terrible spelling. LOL
Hope you’ll visit again.
Hi Keith,
How are you?
As always you’ve provided useful tips. I actually had a ‘fan’ on facebook inquire about help with public speaking and I sent him your way. Your articles are more than a starting point for public speaking, they are outright must-do steps.
Wishing you continued Success,
Kim
Hi Kim
I’m good but your kind words make me blush.
If your “Facebook fan” has any problems please ask him to contact me via my “contact us” page.
Thank you for your good wishes and I’m heading over to your site even as I type….
Thanks Keith,
You might notice some changes since your last visit. I’m working with creative artists and I’m happy to have you as a resource to refer to. ‘See’ you around
Kim´s last great post ..Creative Artist Spotlight on Becky Kazana
Hi Keith, this was a great post! Though I do not speak publicly [never have], I can easily see how some of these ideas could transfer over to a blog post. In writing authors also have two way traffic with their readers. I really love your blog btw! Will be coming back to visit!
Best wishes.
Lynn Fang´s last great post ..Farm Fresh Friday
Hi Lynn
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Not thought that bloggers have two way traffic with their readers – well spotted.
I’ve visited the Globe in London (my favorite town ever!) but never seen a show there.
I love your tips though, not just the inspiration!
Anne´s last great post ..And… I’m back!
Anne not seen you for ages.
Thought that you had done the same as Martyna and retired. LOL
Good to see you are up and running now that the kids are back at school.
I’ve been to theaters where interaction went on with the audience and admit I loved it! Makes you feel like you belong. I still hope I never have to do any public speaking again.
Sliloh´s last great post ..World Suicide Prevention Day
Hi Sliloh
Not heard from you for some time…
Interaction makes the whole thing a real event, an evening to remember.
And the Public Speaking… you never know. LOL
Thanks for your comment.
I had a privilege to deliver a speech in front of a big crowd. Some of the people included in the crowd know that I don’t really like to speak in front of others. That situation amazed them because I did really great with my speech (well, it’s their opinion). Crowd clapping, audience nodding, people cheering, these gestures only prove that you get their attention. As an speaker, it’s a big achievement for me.
Cole Stan´s last great post ..Anniversary Gifts for Men – Rock His World with These Romantic Gifts
Welcome Cole and thanks for your comment.
It’s a sunny Sunday morning here in the UK and I hope that anyone who is preparing to give a speech notices your phrase – “That situation amazed them”
I hear this so often – people who never thought they could “lead a group in silent prayer” go out and amaze the audience and amaze themselves.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
BTW – I also noticed “Crowd clapping, audience nodding, people cheering” – any chance of a few tips Cole. LOL
I’m not really an expert of things like this one, but I like to relate your last question to your first point above, humour. If you can’t be humorous like comedians, then be firm like politicians. Let your audience feel that you know what you’re saying. In that way, you can surely please them.
Cole Stan´s last great post ..Anniversary Gifts For Men – Rock His World With These Romantic Gifts
Thanks for calling back Cole.
I’ll be over soon to look at those gifts – it’s my birthday soon.
It was a nice reading your post. I am always reading technical posts and this type of article refreshed my reading taste!
Using humor in speeches can make it lively. The best way to create humor is bring something unexpected out of the situation and context that would convey your message. Say something that audience never expected. Sometimes irony, sometimes hyperbole and sometimes a small piece of parody can add life to your speech and make it possible to draw their attention all the time.
I agree with you.
Suresh Khanal´s last great post ..Why NOT to make your blog dofollow
Appreciate you taking the time to comment Suresh.
Humour is a great way to forge that connection with the audience.
Sounds as though you know your stuff… ” sometimes hyperbole and sometimes a small piece of parody”
BTW – nobody has ever accused me of being “technical”. LOL
Hope you will visit again.
Keith: Great post and great advice. I really appreciated what you said about connecting to your audience in a real way. I think it really is important and can have a major impact on your deliver and their interest and engagement.
Hi Sibyl
Great to see you back.
That connection is so important, be it Public Speaking or Blogging.
I’ll be over in ten minutes to see what you’re up to.
If I ever get to London I will certainly make an effort to get to the Globe. I really like how you laid out the theatre as well as how the actors really work the audience.
Linda´s last great post ..Green Is Exasperating
Hi Linda
Thanks for stopping by
When in London, the Globe is a must see place.
If you ever get there, watch those actors interact with the audience – Shakespeare would be proud of the layout.
Wow, Keith.
You gave a lot of really great suggestions on how to make it a two way conversation.
I was recently talking with my friend about the power of questions. When you ask someone else a question, you put the focus on them, and their sense of significance increases.
This is a treasure trove for leaders, as it shows people how to broaden and deepen their connection with others.
Jered´s last great post ..Leading with an Open Mind
Yup, that is a good point. When we end up self-absorbed about ourselves, we forget that people don’t want to listen about us so much..
Henway´s last great post ..My Review Of Colonix
You’ve hit the nail on the head Henway.
The speech is not about you, it’s about the audience.
Welcome Jered
Appreciate your kind words.
Questions are such an easy way to get the audience involved.
Just make sure you are prepared for the reply.
Hope you’ll visit again.
Great blog, I could have done with this information a few years ago when I did have to do some public speaking.
My problem was always the same. I would get so nervous that I would speak to quickly, and what would have been a ten minute talk became a five minute one instead. I could never change that. I have a feeling that I would probably be the same now.
Great to see you here Andy.
Talking quickly is a common problem… you just need to get a few speeches under your belt and start to learn how to slow down and… pause.
If you want to get some practice in, join a Speakers Club.
The Association of Speakers Clubs in the UK or Toastmasters around the world.
Appreciate your comment.
Keith,
Look at all that comment love you’re getting! Your post talked about building rapport with your audience in the context of public speaking. But look at what you are doing right here on this blog… what a fantastic rapport in public writing!
I’d love to listen to you speak someday, and hope that the world is a small place when it comes to this wish.
Thanks for dropping by my blog. I’m looking forward to a long-lasting connection.
Wishing you success,
Mark
Mark of Success´s last great post ..The Master Key To Success
Hi Mark
Your comment makes all the hard work of writing this post worthwhile… many thanks for that.
As for hearing me speak.
I think I can say without fear of contradiction that if you heard me speak you would never forget it… I really am that bad. LOL
I think that this is the start of the long-lasting connection you mentioned.
Keith,
My pleasure!
Ha ha! That was a good one! But I hope to get the opportunity to contradict you on that someday!
Cheers!
Mark
Mark of Success´s last great post ..The Master Key To Success
Hi Keith,
Thank You for all the information you have provided.
I remember i had to give a speech on religion in college since it involved pointing out the pro’s and cons which i had to dole out to a typical cosmopolitan audience i was scared that i may not connect with them well since their sentiments may be hurt.
How do we handle such sensitive issues and yet ensure we deliver what we have in mind without rubbing off anyone in the wrong way.
John Welsch´s last great post ..6 Tricks To Get Your First Website Traffic…
Welcome John
I’ve just taken a look at your site and viewed a couple of your videos.
Don’t think I could teach you a thing about performing in front of an audience… you look fantastic.
Speech on religion… sex, politics and religion, subjects to be avoided if possible or at the least handled with great tact.
Try and give a balanced view and treat differences of opinion with respect.
Hope you’ll visit again.
Although my experience giving speeches is somewhat limited, having been in the audience of many presentations, seminars, etc I definitely know what you mean. The speakers that manage to make the audience feel like they are a part of it are so much successful than those that are just “talking at you.”
Also, Shakespeare, Keith? Why I never knew you were so sophisticated.
Ryan´s last great post ..My Breakdown of the Web Design Process
Hi Ryan
Good to see you back – and thanks for your comment.
As for the Shakespeare connection, I live about half an hour from Stratford-upon-Avon so we visit on a fairly regular basis.
One really has to try and keep up standards. LOL
Hi Keith .. just left your blog details over on this blog .. re public speaking .. you deserve what I say over there .. your thoughts are so helpful.
I’m joining the local Eastbourne club .. and see how I go .. fine I think!! So I’ll be back to get some extra tips ..
http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/2010/09/professional-speaking-as-promotional.html
Have a good rest of the week … Hilary
Hilary´s last great post ..This Earth’s Crust its waste- but yet its offerings
Hi Hilary
Thanks for leaving me a link, much appreciated.
But what about you… you’ve joined a Speakers Club. Fantastic.
Let me know how your first speech goes.
Break a leg.
Keith
Hi Keith.
It’s always about the story, isn’t it? Whether a speech or writing or painting, if there’s a story that the audience can relate to, become a part of, or do something as a result, they’ll stick around.
I’m glad to see you think this can (should) be accomplished regardless of the subject matter.
Great post!
Barb
Barb Hartsook´s last great post ..Can We See the Potential
Hi Barb
Good to see you back I was wondering what had happened to you.
“a story that the audience can relate to, become a part of” is exactly what you are trying to achieve.
Super comment as always – I’ll be over tomorrow to check out your latest post.
hello Keith
what is happening here? are you writing a new post?
“talk to your audience, not at them” this is so very true
ciao!
´s last great post ..Take Warren Buffett and Jay-Z- put them in the same room What happens next
Martyna the Queen
Hi Martyna or should I say Your Majesty.
Hope to publish new post this weekend… in between watching the Ryder Cup. LOL
I notice that you have a couple of videos on your site.
I’ll be over to take a look and I’ll let you have my thoughts in the comments.
Thanks for visiting.
I have not done public speaking since high school, but I like what you said about humor. Humor works well in writing so I imagine it would in public speaking.
Rose´s last great post ..Shih Tzu Pups Delivered
Hi Rose
I think that humour works in almost any situation… certainly works in blogging.
BTW – congratulations to the proud mum. LOL
Hi Keith,
I had never heard of the I/You ratio before and I find it very intriguing. After all the emphasis on “I statements” in day to day communication, I assumed that I statements would work well for public speaking also. I worry that in using too many “you” statements, one might come off as pedantic. Yet my gut agrees with you–I prefer to listen to less “I”s and more “you”s. It’s interesting–what are your thoughts?
Adena Atkins´s last great post ..A Week of Unitasking- Part 1
Hi Adena
I think that I’ve got used to “speaking to the audience” so I don’t think much about the I/you ratio. But when you start out in Public Speaking it’s a good way to make sure that you are including the audience.
It takes some time to stop writing a school essay (which is the only writing most of us have ever done) and start writing a speech.
Thanks for your comment Adena.
Hey, nice and a very good piece of share. I like the way this has been crafted. Keep up the great work. Retweeted
Praveen@Techperk´s last great post ..13 Less known benefits of Guest Blogging
Hi Praveen
Thanks for your comment and thanks for your Retweet.
I’ll take a look at your site… see what you blog on.
Merry Christmas.
This is perhaps the easiest for me. It makes public speaking less like speeches or “trying” to be something (e.g. like add humor or be funny, when I have no talent for that whatsoever) and more like simply performing. I can perform all day and all night.
I’d never looked at it this way before. I’ll definitely be trying this!
Delena
Delena Silverfox@Coupon Codes´s last great post ..Micfo
Thanks for your comment Delena.
Good to hear that you like performing.. that’s half of what Public Speaking is all about.