Be a Great Speaker by Being a Great Listener

We have talked before about the importance of being relevant to your audience. Knowing where you audience is at in terms of your subject is crucial – it can make the difference between delivering a mediocre speech and delivering an exceptional speech. But how do you get the all important information about your audience – by doing your research up front.

I have an outline for a questionnaire that I use before I give any public speech. Answers to the questions on it will give me the ability to not just speak to the audience but to reach out and identify with them (or have them identify with me). I look for information such as what is the common link among the audience members, what are their education and vocation backgrounds, what is their age range, etc. I also want to know if there are any subjects that are considered off limits.

I used to email out a questionnaire when I was approached for speaking opportunities but I don’t do that very much anymore. I find that I get a much better feel for the group that I am addressing by talking to the organizer. I may not read the questions one by one, but by the end of the conversation I know that I have a good idea about the answers.

This is one reason why I believe that a speaker also has to be able to listen effectively.

In next week’s newsletter I will discuss some powerful listening strategies that I use – so that I end up with the answers that match my audience rather than answers that I want to hear.

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Copyright © 2007 David Mudie All Rights Reserved

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