Connect with a group

We all get nervous public speaking. Whether addressing a large auditorium or small group, here’s a way to both calm yourself and connect with an audience.

Pick out one person. Just one.

Make eye contact, and then speak directly to them.

Look at them while you talk. Watch their reaction. Smile at them. Talk to them one on one, for real.

Now you can gauge how your message lands. You can watch their body language and facial expressions, and make sure he or she gets it.

If that one person gets it, and is connecting with you, so will most everyone else.

Because you’ll feel the human connection.

Then move to another person. Make another connection. Read their reaction. Adjust to them.

Make another point. Speak to another person.

Work your way around the room, making individual one-on-one connections as you progress through your presentation.

Find someone in the back. Greet them with your eyes.

Find the disconnected person. Reel them in with your powerful human connection.

You’re doing it! Connecting with the entire audience, all while keeping yourself grounded.