Today's speakers need to do more than impart information to their listeners. With all the competition for attention, smart speakers like you know it is critical to connect with and engage your audiences. That may be easy to do with a small group or meeting, but how about when you are speaking at a forum, an all-hands meeting, or any time your audience is large?
To add engagement and connection at every level, consider these strategies for your next keynote:
Before your presentation
Ask questions before you even accept the speaking assignment. Is it a good match for you? Do you have value to add for your listeners? Is a presentation the right format for the information you have to share?
Talk to some of the audience members ahead of time to find out what they know and what they want to know about your topic. What is on their minds right now? What are their hot buttons?
Do an electronic survey of your audience. This way you can be sure your talk addresses their concerns; and it lets them know you heard their opinions.
At the beginning
Plan an "entry" activity, such as writing comments on a flip chart, making a name tent, or writing on a virtual whiteboard (during a webinar, for example.) A simple engagement at the beginning sets the tone for what is to come.
Meet and greet your audience. Set up your room before people arrive so you can focus on them as they walk in. Smile and say hello. If you have time walk around and chat with people. Maybe have a few questions in mind to ask them. Even if you don't enjoy small talk, this will pay off when you stand up to speak in front of your "new friends."
Do quick introductions. I have found that even three minutes for people to introduce themselves at tables or in pairs changes the energy level in a group significantly. This seems to make it easier for people to engage and share ideas and opinions.
Consider live audience polling. You can use an app to create polling questions, and audiences can simply connect (using a link) and start responding. It’s engaging and immediate. Just be sure to rehearse this technology ahead of time.
During your presentation
Ask for a show of hands, or for a vote. Getting the audience involved early is key, and raising their hands is usually safe. I like to ask something that is easy to respond to first, and only after they are comfortable, ask people to share more sensitive thoughts.
Use 3x5 cards to have listeners write down their questions or opinions. You could have them give each other feedback or questions by writing on the cards. Or use different colored cards to note different opinions.
Have people vote with their feet. Maybe you ask them to move to a certain part of the room to show their opinions, or to have breakout discussions. It is also a visual way for you to get feedback, and for the listeners to move. It's a win-win as long as you can maintain control and get them back in their seats when you need them to be.
Have them speak to their neighbors. Small group discussions. Reaction sharing. Case studies. This can be done with even a very large group, as long as you have a mechanism to get them back in their seats after the discussion.
Q&A. Often we fill our entire time allotment, leaving very little time for discussion at the end. Consider having a short Q&A midway through the presentation. Or ask for questions periodically. Definitely leave a reasonable amount of time for Q&A at the end, and ask; “What questions do you have?” rather than “Are there any questions?”
After your presentation
Follow up with answers to questions or promises you made to get back to people with more information.
Consider forming a discussion group for ongoing discussions.
Suggest websites, books, articles, or other resources for people who want more information.
Invite people to connect with you on social media like LinkedIn, so your connections can continue.
Want to make your next keynote presentation stand out from the crowd? Want to engage your next large group? Be brave. Listen. Connect. You’ve got this.