My friend Scott Ginsberg or infamously known as The Nametag Guy, claims that lists make people happy. Is that right? He added that at the speed we are going (now, hyperspeed), people don’t even read anymore. They scan.

If that’s the case, then I suppose most of you just read my sub-headers? (grins)

Anyway, I decided to give this a try, so here’s 37 ways to make your audience like you. If you recall, the first seven have already been elaborated. If you like to read, click here to learn how to make your audience like you.

1. Come prepared.
2. Speak within your time limit. End early but never go overtime.
3. Make your audience the hero of your stories (Thanks Ed Tate for that idea!)
4. Offer solid content. I repeat SOLID content.
5. Be really interested in your audience. It shows in the way you talk to them on stage.
6. Do your research and tailor your speech according to their needs and wants.
7. Help them solve their problems.
8. And most importantly, make sure that your audience learn something at the end of your speech.
9. Keep ‘em laughing - that’s when your audience learn the best.
10. Be sincere - speak from the heart.
11. Don’t be too caught up in looking good, instead focus on the interests of your audience.
12. Tell stories. Oh and they have to be your own to work.
13. Find things that are “just not done” in the speaking industry and go do it for the fun of it! (Kudos to Seth Godin for that wonderful idea!)
14. Each time you think of something safe to do for your speech, reverse it! (Seth again)
15. Whatever it is that you do, make sure it helps you underscore your message or a point you are making.
16. Make your presentation fun for the audience.
17. Have fun yourself.
18. Share a message that you feel strongly for.
19. Tell your audience upfront why you deserved to be listened to. Build your credibility.
20. Be confident. Audience like it when they see that you can carry your own weight.
21. Don’t be boring.
22. Be generous - share extensively about your experience. Don’t hold back.
23. Talk about something that your audience can all relate to. Don’t try to explain to a bunch of eskimos how curry chicken taste like. They won’t get you.
24. Start strong, and that means no “good morning, good afternoon and good night”.
25. Avoid “how are you guys doing today?” too. It’s overused.
26. Invent new words like “Neces-SCARY”. (That’s Scott Ginsberg idea - he is THE man)
27. Add variety to your presentation. Pepper your presentation with stories, activities, quotes, demonstrations, videos, cartoons etc. Remember point 21.
28. Have flesh-time with your audience offstage, make friends with them.
29. Don’t be afraid to get upfront and personal with your audience.
30. Keep your speech simple and to the point. Your audience will appreciate it.
31. Be willing to make mistakes. That way, you won’t be too caught up being perfect. Instead, you can start enjoying every moment with your audience.
32. Be concrete. Make sure every point you make is well supported by clear examples.
33. Your audience are emotional creatures so don’t be afraid to evoke their emotions like sympathy, sadness and excitement. Human interest stories work well here.
34. Appeal to your audience’s self interest - make sure you answer the million dollar question - “What’s in it for ME?”
35. Let your audience know that YOU know what they are going through. State it upfront. Show empathy. But for that to work, you have to first do your homework, which brings you back to point 1 and 6.
36. Eavesdrop their conversation. Hang out where they hang out. So that you can speak their lingo.
37. Don’t be afraid to look them in the eye as you deliver your speech. There’s a good reason why they say your eyes are the window to your soul.
38. Have a conversation. It’s naturally engaging.
39. Go naked.
40. Speak like this is your last speech - give it your all!
41. Be grateful for the opportunity that you have to impact people’s lives.
    
    Any other ideas on how to connect with your audience and make them like you? Share them with me!

    Cheers,
    Eric Feng
    Your Public Speaking Coach

    

    P.S: If you have yet to download the free chapter of my soon-to-be published book The FAQ Book on Public Speaking, click here to get it before it is taken down.

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