How To CrushYour Fear Public Of Speaking Part 2
I left off Part 1 talking about your audience, so let’s dive in:
5. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
I don’t literally mean know every single person in your audience. That would be pretty difficult to arrange.
What I do mean is to understand the over-riding demographics of your audience. For example, if you are giving a speech to a group of high school kids, then don’t make references to Dean Martin or Ginger Rogers. They’ll only stare at you in confusion.
If you’re speaking in a business setting, then make sure the language you use is appropriate and professional. No swearing and very little slang. I say “very little” slang because I do believe a few well-placed slang words can be very effective. They can usually generate a laugh or two.
Keep your grammar in check. Do not say “You’s guys” or “What was you askin’?”
Knowing your audience is important because it means that they can relate to you and that you can build a rapport with them. The more you relate to them and their world, the more they will like you.
They probably won’t even notice if you make a mistake, or forget to mention something, if you have to refer to your notes. We are all much harder on ourselves than others are.
