What’s in It for Them? How to Focus on the Needs of Your Audience
A strong presentation is not just about what you want to say but, more importantly, about what your audience needs. One of the key questions you should always ask yourself is: "What’s in it for them?" What will your audience gain from your presentation? By considering their perspective, you can tailor your message for greater impact.
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
Before delivering your presentation, it’s crucial to understand your audience:
What are their expectations and goals? Do they want to be informed, inspired, or persuaded?
What drives them? Are they looking for practical solutions, or do they prefer an engaging story?
A simple yet effective way to gain this insight is to talk to a few attendees beforehand. This will help you better address their challenges and expectations.
Step 2: Adapt Your Message to Your Audience
A one-size-fits-all presentation rarely works. It’s important to adjust your style and content based on your audience. A useful model for this is the DISC model, which describes four main personality types:
Dominant types (red): Keep it brief and to the point, focusing on key figures and facts.
Interactive types (yellow): Use storytelling and anecdotes to make your message engaging.
Stable types (green): Build trust and take time to explain things clearly.
Conscientious types (blue): Provide detailed reasoning and well-structured arguments.
By tailoring your presentation accordingly, you increase the likelihood of your message resonating with your audience.
Step 3: Actively Engage Your Audience
A presentation should not be a one-way street. The more you involve your audience, the greater your impact. You can achieve this by:
Answering their questions: Prepare for potential questions and provide meaningful responses.
Using interactive elements: Incorporate polls, discussion questions, or short activities to keep them engaged.
Encouraging collaboration: Giving your audience a chance to contribute makes them feel more involved and leaves them with a positive impression.
Conclusion
Want to be a successful speaker? Make sure to see your presentation through your audience’s eyes and adapt your message accordingly. The better you address their needs, the greater your impact.
Would you like to learn more about this? Join our open session in Leuven. For more information, feel free to contact us at alexander@tc3.be.