Have you ever thought; “what is wrong with this audience, why aren’t they paying attention, what’s their problem?”
Sure we all have had those difficult audiences, or perhaps it really isn’t the entire audience. Audiences come in all types, for example there is the “I’m forced to be here, what’s wrong with my boss?” or the others, “this is the conference I’ve been waiting for, I can’t wait to learn.” Let’s take a moment to explore the types of audiences and what their particular needs are. Not only will you speak to your audience, your audience no matter what type they are, will pick up something from your prepared and powerful message.
Types of Audiences:
- Resentful: This is the audience where the boss has sent them. This audience needs your special attention. The more you can make this group laugh, and have fun, the better chances you have at engagement.
- Ruthless: This is the audience that no matter what you say, they know more, don’t agree or become difficult just because. You can try and try, and at some point after you have attempted a couple of different techniques to engage, you have to decide to focus your attention on the others in the crowd. Perhaps that individual had a bad day, and nothing you can say will change that. The other participants need your attention and your focus.
- Respectful: This type of audience is one that is present, listens, takes notes, answers questions and respectfully engages at an appropriate level. This is a great group of individuals in your audience, but also can be challenging. This type of audience is neither present or planning their next dinner party. They are just there. The key to engaging this type of audience participant is to involve them with your presentation. Sometimes the saying “if they say it, they own it” works. Let this group be involved in the activities, and discussions.
- Ready: This is it; the type of audience that if we could pick we would. This type of participant, is ready to learn, grow, understand new and out of the box thinking and wants more than anything to engage and be inspired from your message.
Hopefully you will have a variety of the above participants. But if for some reason, your audience is made up of all resentful, and ruthless; remember my saying…”take care of you”. There will be other presentations. Be the best you can be, and then breathe.
If you have all respectful and ready participants, then be dynamic, energizing and relish in the feeling of “this is why I do what I do.”
Lastly remember this – a presentation is never the same, an audience is always new and if you learn and grow from each and every presentation, you will be the best speaker you can be and your audience will love it.