The world is different than what we see. Everybody sees it through glasses. Glasses representing education, profession, values, etc.
- As a result, everybody perceives thing differently.
I had a teacher who defined her role this way: “I’m giving you new glasses to see the world. Nobody will see it like you will”. And she was right. I see the world differently than you.
The same is true when you speak to an audience. They are wearing some kind of glasses. Is it a professional association? A corporate meeting? A congress? A school seminar? Their perception of the world is tinted by their glasses.
We must try to put the same glasses as them. It will help us avoid mistakes. And our communication will be more adapted.
- We will better “connect” with the audience.
This image is a good example of glasses effect. It was used on Gizmodo site to recruit writers. [Image Credit]
How can we put audience glasses? Here are some hints:
- Do search on your audience.
- Read publications, blogs, tweets on the subject.
- Interview some of the leaders.
- Assist to the presentations before you.
- Ask questions.
- Be open minded.
- Etc.
Share with me: What are you doing to have your audience glasses?
Posted by Denis François Gravel
4 comments
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April 28, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Posts about Gizmodo as of April 28, 2009 » The Daily Parr
[...] about Gizmodo as of April 28, 2009 Put your audience glasses – presentabilitywithdfg.wordpress.com 04/29/2009 The world is different than what we see. Everybody [...]
September 13, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Audience will not understand your numbers « PRESENTability with DFG
[...] Best, adapt the example to your audience. If you’re talking to car dealers, tell them: If you printed the Internet, you will have enough paper to fill the trunk of 12 000 cars (I am guessing). How big is 12 000 cars? Bumper to bumper, it is a 66 km long file. THAT means something to car dealers. (Adapting your speech to an audience – blog post: Put your audience glasses) [...]
September 16, 2009 at 11:21 am
All About Presentations
Hi Denis
I am liking your blog a lot. Good stuff Denis.
It is a good idea to read up on the audience before you present. You should do it ‘much’ before you start making the slides.
You can meet some people who are going to part of the audience. Talk to colleagues/friends who know them or have presented to them.
But remember one thing, do not take everything your friends/colleagues say about them. There can always be a bias. Be careful on how you elicit information about your audience..
September 18, 2009 at 10:16 pm
presentabilitywithdfg
Thanks for your comment
Good suggestion to talk with attendees or colleagues BEFORE you start to build your presentation. I totally agree.
- Denis François