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all about who
Who’s it All About?
You likely plan a presentation, a client call, maybe even a conversation with a colleague thinking about what you want to say. What are your key messages? What’s your recommendation? What’s the main point you want to get across.
You might make an outline. Maybe you plan your conclusion and then work backwards, laying out the information and ideas that will get you there. You might start considering slides or handouts that will support your message.
Here’s another way to think about the whole process.
I listened to a speaker the other day, explaining how to do a TedX talk. Magician-turned-keynoter Brian Miller was sharing his expertise about the famous Red Dot with the National Speakers Association Illinois. And I thought of you right away.
You may not be planning to do a TedX talk. I’m certainly not. But this particular bit of advice is valuable for all of us, no matter who we speak to. Or what we speak about.
Typically, as we prepare, we ponder what we want to say. How we can make our points most effectively. How much time we have to make those points. And … well, you know the drill. You’ve done a presentation or two in your time.
Next chance you get, you might want to try this suggestion Brian shared with the speakers.
Instead of thinking about what you want to say, focus on what they want to hear.
I can tell you from my own experience that shift in perspective changes the way you deliver your talk. It also changes the way your audience takes it in.
Right off the bat, they’re way more likely to be interested in what you have to say because you’ve framed it in the context of their life, their experience, their needs.
If you’re thinking this sounds familiar, it’s likely you and I have been connected for a while. And you’ve heard me recommend that you turn the lens around whether you’re speaking to one or two people or to a larger group.
“The lens,” of course, is a metaphor. What I mean is this. You don’t want to see all the selfies on my phone. But if I tell you about that shot I took of you last time we were together, you’re likely to be much more interested in taking a look at it.
When I put the focus on me, maybe I can catch your attention. When I put the focus on you, you’re naturally more engaged.
Same thing when we’re speaking. You’ll be more open to my message if I put it in the context of your interests, your goals, your business.
You don’t have to be a professional speaker or do a TedX talk to benefit from this big idea. To make a real impact, turn the lens around. Instead of thinking about what you want to say, focus on what they want to hear.
As always, I want to hear from you! Tell me how you’re going to turn the lens around. Leave your comment below.
