8

Connecting with the audience

In this chapter

  • Seven-point strategy for overcoming nervousness
  • How audiences listen
  • Power of association and conditioning
  • Influence of culture and group dynamics
  • Why you must be succinct
  • The role of unspoken language

As you approach the point of having to stand and deliver, chances are you’ll have an attack of the nerves. For some reason, when the spotlight is on us we lose confidence in our ability to deliver an impressive performance. Let’s be very clear about this. It is a performance anxiety. So let me offer you a seven-point strategy for bringing those nerves under control.

First, identify what your fears really are. Are you afraid that:

  • people might laugh;
  • you might dry up;
  • people will stop listening; ...

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