When most people step forward to speak their focus is on themselves, what others may be thinking about them, and the nervous way they feel.
This deadly combination of adrenalin-rush and their listeners sitting there thinking "Let's check this person out!" is what brings most people undone, for this negative state-of-mind takes them nowhere.
The secret is to turn the tables on your audience with the first things you say so they'rethe one's who feel a little uneasy! But the 'heat' you apply is of a friendly, interactive nature that encourages people to be actively involved in your talk rather than sit there passing judgement on you as if you were in the dock! This article focuses on the power of 'asking a question' to grab your listeners' attention and get them thinking about things you, the speaker, want them to be thinking about! This will get you through those destructive opening nerves, settle you down, and have your listeners wanting to know more! Tap Into Their Curiosity.
By asking a question, the first words they hear gets them thinking about things they can relate to.
For example if your talk is about conversational effectiveness you could say: "Has anyone here ever felt uncomfortable in a room full of strangers and found yourself thinking: 'I wish someone would come and talk to me?'" After you've let them nod and think about this, say...
"I'm glad I'm not the only one!" This sets up an air of agreement between you and your audience for you'll see those heads nodding with knowing smiles.
It also brings you down to their level as a fallible human being.
And by inviting them to be mentally involved, they feel part of your talk and not lectured at.
Now they're at one with you and ready to learn more.
And did you notice how this opening question was of a universal nature that was easy to agree with? Not only that, within a minute you've got them feeling a little uneasy or curious about something, eager to find out what the solution might be.
Let's try a little experiment here.
Just stop for a minute and think about a talk you've already given or might have to give in the future and try opening it with a question.
Something like "Has anyone here ever wondered why...
[Finish this question with a relevant scenario]?" This one never fails! After the knowing nods etc.
you'd outline where your talk will be taking them in response to this question and why you've earned the right to be there.
Much better to have them involved at the start with the gentle pressure of your question than have them cynically sitting there judging you! How to Get Them to Raise Their Hands.
People don't want to be seen as the odd one out.
If you want your listeners to raise their hands in response to a question, raise your hand first (only half way up) as you ask your question.
And, as if by magic, many hands will mirror this...
it's uncanny how this works.
It's irresistible! The good thing is your listeners are now physically involved in your talk with a great deal less pressure on you! One Final Tip.
On the day of your talk make sure your opening words are pretty well down pat, for an opening rehearsed yesterday can go a bit stale the following day and needs to be refreshed.
So on the way to the venue give it one more going over with a little more confidence than you may actually feel.
You'll now be in control of your all-important opening as you step forward.
It's only necessary to do this with your initial words at this late stage for the rest of your talk will be laid out before you by way of your mental joggers.
So to break through that initial adrenalin barrier and grab your listeners' attention keep the following in mind: Don't allow your listeners to passively sit there thinking, "Let's check this person out and see what they're really made of!" while you're standing there feeling vulnerable and charged with all that nervous energy and adrenalin.
Apply a bit of this uncomfortable heat to them as well! Unsettle their complacency by asking a sweeping question that engages their minds and they feel compelled to agree with.
This will instantly put you in control and get the focus off you and on to what you want them to be thinking about.
They're now primed and eager to hear what you have to say.