Influence and Persuasion Skills
© Persuasive Presentations, March 2013
A joke’s power is its ability to make your audience feel part of your presentation.
The more your audience feels that you understand them, the closer the bond you
will create with them.
Encourage Audience Participation
Not everyone feels comfortable telling a joke. Nor is it always relevant or
appropriate to do so.
Another way of making your audience feel more involved in your presentation is
to actually make them a part of it.
Although this may feel a bit daunting to some, when you get your audience
involved you create energy, enthusiasm and emotion. All 3 of which are ideal for
grabbing and maintaining engagement and attention.
Ask them a question that requires a show of hands. Not only will they feel duty
bound to respond (you’ve got to love the programming we get at school) but it
also presents a risk free way for audience members to be noticed. It will make
them feel special and give them a stronger sense of belonging in the room.
This is a good opportunity to find out exactly who’s in the room with you. This has
two positive effects.
1)
You can ensure whatever information you’ve prepared is
tailored exactly to their needs and
2)
they’ll feel like you’re taking an interest in
them.
Make sure to tell them why you want the information. People like to know what’s
happening to them and will appreciate your making the talk specific to their
needs.
Do Something Surprising
Anyone familiar with the comedy genius that was Morecamb and Wise will be
aware of the power of surprising your audience.
