Know, Connect With Your Audience

     To be a successful leader you must be keenly aware of what your audience is thinking and feeling.

     Your presentation isn't what's on paper, PowerPoint or note cards. A speech is a moment in time when you connect with an audience on a topic.

        When you sit down to write and prepare a presentation, think of your audience first:

* What is really on their minds?

* What challenges are they facing?

* What has changed?

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TOP SHELF TIP NO. 154

"To speak and to speak well are two things.  A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks."

Ben Johnson, English Renaissance dramatist, poet and actor, 1572-1637

     On the day of the talk, keep asking questions; find out what's happening. Speak in the moment and your audience will sit up and pay attention.

     Keeping it fresh and new is one of the secrets of being a great speaker. 

Keep It Simple

     One problem with many speakers is they try to do too much. The message should be simple and straightforward.

     You need a big idea, and about three supporting points. That's all people can remember.

     Take people from A, to B, to C. Anchor it in their minds with some riveting facts, stories and examples, and you have a great talk.

     Simple does not mean dumbing down or ignoring complexity or nuance. Simplicity is taking what is complex and making it clear.

     Source: LifeTips publishes more than 80,000 tips to an audience of more than 3 million monthly viewers.