Focus on the Audience, Not the Spotlight
Standing in front of an audience can feel like you're under a spotlight, with every flaw magnified. But here's the truth: It’s not all about you. Everyone in the room is navigating their own situations—and your focus should be on serving them.
Three Tips:
Put the Audience First: Your message is for them, not about you. Focus on what your audience needs or hopes to gain. When your priority is serving their interests, your self-consciousness will naturally fade into the background.
Recognize Shared Vulnerability: Many people in the audience may feel just as nervous about speaking up or participating. By acknowledging that you're all in the same boat, you’ll create a connection and ease your nerves.
Engage with Eye Contact and Questions: Shift your attention from yourself by focusing on individual members of the audience. Make eye contact, ask rhetorical questions, or encourage participation. This helps turn the speech into a dialogue rather than a monologue.
Food for Thought:
Instead of worrying about how you’re coming across, ask yourself: How can I make this experience valuable for them? What message will resonate with the people in this room?
Want to take it a step higher? Write your book, change the world.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
About the author: As the co-founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Revel Coach, a career growth platform, Alison Nissen helps leaders perfect their business pitches and online presence through storytelling. Successful executives use key storytelling points to engage their audience and gain market share because they know good storytelling is the best form of marketing, recruiting, and fundraising. Write Your Book NOW! Mastermind enrolling now.
The Revel Coach™ Blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not mental health, financial, business or legal advice. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any medical, mental or emotional condition. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content.