Lesson

ps3-2. Shmooze with your audience

I joke that when I am going to speak, I take it so seriously that I arrive only 50% prepared. That is because a big part of your planning occurs on-site. 

Suppose you realize that you have prepared the wrong speech for the audience. Or that you meet some old classmates who can help make your presentation more engaging.

You will need reasons to connect with your audience, which usually happens right before the event. Talk with a few guests, and then you can refer to them in your speech and surprise your audience that you have acquaintances in the room.

Also, if you do not have such tight minute-by-minute planning, you can be more flexible if something goes wrong. Somebody arrives late and slams the door. Everybody turns around to see who is there. A cell phone goes off, and somebody has the nerve to take the call.

​I have seen speakers, myself included, get so flustered when our perfectly planned speech gets disrupted that we become disoriented and can't get back on track.
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Practice

Try to find time to mingle with your audience before your speech or presentation. Treat it as a social event.

It is an excellent way to overcome nervousness and not be confused with the fear of public speaking. You will always be nervous before showtime.

But having friends in the audience is a great way to work that out. In most situations, it is beneficial to mention a few people in the audience and relate them to your talk.

"Steve and I were just discussing that..." As you mingle, it will also warm up the audience.

By the time you are speaking, they already know something about you personally and will likely be on your side. Friendly expressions in the audience will encourage you.

Make a one to two-minute video of yourself pretending to be mingling with strangers.

Yes, you can joke around. Not as much during the real thing but here, loosen up.

​Good speakers are always at ease like they are talking to friends.