During – Connecting with your audience

While you practiced your presentation in the last chapter, the focus was on you – making sure you looked and sounded like a rising leader within your organization. During your presentation, however, the audience must be your sole focus. To persuade your team to adopt your message, you have to create a connection that compels them to listen and act on what you have to say. The following diagram and explanations outline a strategy for creating that connection:

Relax

To connect with your audience, you have to forget about yourself and make them your number one priority. At the outset of your presentation, take a deep breath and let go of all the little things you worked on during the rehearsal stage. At this point, any worry or doubt about your gestures, speaking style, or command of the material will only drive a wedge between you and your audience. On the other hand, an attentive presence and enthusiastic embrace of this unique opportunity to build a rapport...