Most speakers think that their job begins when they get on stage and open their mouths to utter their first words. Most discussions of how to start a speech begin there – obviously enough – with the first words you say.
But in truth, your relationship begins well before that. There’s your introduction, which sets up your connection, for good or ill, with the people soon to be in front of you. How does that present you? You get to control what you send to the conference organizers for your introducer to read. I’ve heard many more weak introductions than strong ones, and they’re often not well delivered by the V-P of Whatever that gets the assignment to introduce you.
You should take the opportunity to craft a strong introduction that tells the audience what’s special about you so that you don’t have to do it yourself at the start of the talk. It’s much less effective that way. It doesn’t sound like bragging if someone else does it.
Then there’s what actors call the “offstage beat.” That’s the attitude you walk on stage with. What are you thinking about just before you go on? If you’re thinking about your nerves, then you’re going to bring that on stage for the first moments, at least, and infect your beginning with a bad attitude. Instead, you should focus on an emotion you would like to share with the audience during the first point you make. Are you excited? Passionate? Angry? Amused? Whatever the appropriate emotion is, focus on that as you’re waiting to go on. Then bring that on stage to open your talk. Your attitude will show up in the way you walk and stand, and it will help you connect with the audience if you connect it to your opening material.
Finally, there’s the opportunity to mingle with the audience before the talk. How possible that is depends on the way the conference is structured, of course, and it depends on how you, the speaker, feel about it. Some speakers need the time in the green room before the talk to prepare and focus. Others draw energy from the audience, and if that’s you, it’s a great way to connect with an audience, build rapport, and anticipation for the talk. Once you start, you have allies in the audience who will feel like they have a special relationship with you and will be rooting for you to succeed.
Three ways to build a connection with your audience before you open your mouth to start your speech. What will you make of the opportunities?
Great post as always, Nick.
I love what you wrote here…so helpful:
“If you’re thinking about your nerves, then you’re going to bring that on stage for the first moments, at least, and infect your beginning with a bad attitude. Instead, you should focus on an emotion you would like to share with the audience during the first point you make. Are you excited? Passionate? Angry? Amused? Whatever the appropriate emotion is, focus on that as you’re waiting to go on. Then bring that on stage to open your talk. Your attitude will show up in the way you walk and stand, and it will help you connect with the audience if you connect it to your opening material.”
Excellent, Nick. Thanks.
Thanks, David — the other advantage of focusing on the emotion you want to bring on stage is that it distracts you from being otherwise overcome with stage fright.
I can’t stand bad introductions. I’ve walked out to a few clunky, four-minute ones that made me appear to be a bit of a blowhard before I’ve even opened my mouth. I try to elicit some level of interactivity early on or at least drop a joke.
Indeed! Thanks, Phil, for your comment. And curses on those bad intros.
Great post Nick, as always.
I believe that for speakers, the relationship also starts before you even arriving at the venue. For me, my first connection with the client is key. This might come from a referral to begin with, even before the initial call/meeting. The experience of ‘me’ will ripple out – my manner, energy, language, wants, needs, the way I listen, the way I craft the session etc. In many ways, my mark is stamped long before I arrive to give the talk. The talk becomes a tiny part in reality as after the session is also critical. This is where my impact is cemented – delegate chitter chatter after the session, how I follow up, feedback etc.
It is too easy to get hung up on the talk itself. Great impact occurs before and after the session too.
Keep these great posts coming Nick!
Richard
Thanks, Richard, for your thoughtful comment. Managing the relationship is key for professional speakers — especially those who want repeat business.
The introduction should also tell a story. The ones that are just long lists of job titles and awards are terrible. That stuff can be read on LinkedIn or a program bio. Relate an anecdote or use a quote that explains who the speaker (really) is (that is, not the sum of his resume) and why he’s there to talk to us and what it means.
I think one of the big problems with intros comes up when the introducer has no relationship or connection with the speaker and, like you said, is just “assigned” to do it.
Rob — thanks for the comment. Two great points — story is key — not a resume but a narrative! And it helps so much if the introducer has at least a nodding acquaintance with the speaker.
Hi Nick,
Good article which cemented my opinion that conference organisers should always should think just as carefully about their choice of MC as they do every other aspect of their event. All too often it is the “VP of Whatever” who end ups in the role and a lot of opportunities are missed not only when it comes to introducing speakers but also reflecting on their message when the speech is over.
Thanks, David — I’ve written a post or two about the importance of the MC — an under-appreciated art that deserves more respect and attention.
Nick – I always ‘mingle’ and just introduce myself to individuals before any large audience. Calms my nerves and settles me besides establishing a personal connection – if just with one person. Very effective technique (for me at least) ..as you say drawing energy directly from the audience. Best Jim
Thanks, Jim, for the comment and insight. Glad to hear that mingling works for you.