If you don't connect, you're losing out!

For many of you, there is that one person you learn from. One person whose books, newsletters or tweets you will always read, and take to heart.

It may be Brene Brown, Malcolm Gladwell, or a personal friend who writes a regular newsletter. If you think about it, most of those people don’t have a unique message but you feel connected to that person and so you listen to them.

Connection first, then content. This is never more evident than when you deliver a presentation or keynote talk.

There is no formula to build a connection, and it is not something you can fake, but there are some tools which may help you along the way.

• Prepare properly. Give your audience the respect they deserve by spending enough time preparing and refining your message.

• With every element of your presentation and all your changes along the way, ask yourself the question: Does this make things better for my audience?

• Before you get onto the stage or stand up in the boardroom, calm your nerves with some deep breaths and focus your intention on giving the audience what they want from you.

• Once you’re on stage, let your natural personality show and trust in your rehearsals to deliver the message you have planned.

The most effective way to build connection is to show up fully and authentically on stage. The easiest way to show up fully is to prepare properly so you trust that regardless of what happens, you are able to get your message across in a clear, concise and engaging way.

In all elements of life, the person you are is more important than your productivity. On stage, true connection is the best way to have your message heard.

I work with many skilled speakers to help them build a strong connection with their audience. Drop me a line if you’d like some input.