{"id":9397,"date":"2023-01-23T08:00:11","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T08:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/?p=9397"},"modified":"2023-01-17T15:59:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T15:59:32","slug":"audience-rapport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/audience-rapport\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Simple Ways To Build Rapport With Your Audience"},"content":{"rendered":"

Public speaking is about more than reading off a script. It’s about engaging your audience and connecting with them on a deeper level. <\/span>This is done by something known as <\/span>audience rapport<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. R<\/b><\/span>emember to show your audience you are listening to them<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. A<\/b><\/span>cknowledge your audience by using their words, jargon, or slang<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. P<\/b><\/span>roperly use and express body language<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. P<\/b><\/span>ay attention to what the audience expects from you<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. O<\/b><\/span>ffer up a personal story in which you aren’t perfect<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. R<\/b><\/span>amp up the enthusiasm<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. T<\/b><\/span>ry to use <\/span>“we”<\/span><\/i> instead of only using the word <\/span>“you”<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Without rapport as your core component, your entire speech or presentation will fall apart. In other words, b<\/span>uilding rapport is a <\/span>must.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    Here are the seven best ways to start building audience rapport the right way!<\/span><\/p>\n

    See Related:\u00a05 Famous Public Speakers Throughout History<\/a><\/p>\n

    #1. <\/b>R<\/b><\/span>emember To Listen To Your Audience<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Many people forget that public speaking is a conversation. And in any conversation, no one likes to be talked <\/span>at<\/b> instead of talked <\/span>with<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don’t make your speech or event presentation<\/a> reminiscent of a high school History lecture.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Instead, try to show your audience that it is indeed a conversation that includes them! The best way to do that is by <\/span>listening to your audience<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This point isn’t as abstract as it may first appear. In fact, a great way to show your audience you’re listening is by asking them some questions as soon as the presentation begins.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Even during a formal presentation, <\/span>you should effectively communicate to your audience that you want to connect with them<\/b>. So ask them questions like, <\/span>“If you could ask me anything, what would it be?”<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>“What is something you want to take away from this presentation?”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    Communication <\/b>and <\/span>feedback <\/b>are vital for building rapport with your audience. Don’t forget it!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Building<\/span>#2. <\/b>A<\/b><\/span>cknowledge Your Audience By Using Their Jargon<\/b><\/h2>\n

    We are naturally drawn to people similar to who we are. <\/b>It’s just part of our<\/span> human nature<\/span><\/a>. We feel comfortable with people we are similar to.<\/span><\/p>\n

    So to build rapport and a strong connection with your audience, <\/span>you need to find a way to establish common ground and similar energy.<\/b><\/p>\n

    To do that, you need to use the tone, terms, and jargon that your audience is used to. Again, this will help establish you as a trusted source, not a complete stranger.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You need to know your audience<\/i><\/b>. Take the time to understand exactly<\/span> who they are<\/span><\/a>. They’ll be able to tell if you don’t.<\/span><\/p>\n

    #3. <\/b>P<\/b><\/span>roperly Use Body Language<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Rapport building is about more than the words you say. <\/span>It’s also about how you deliver them<\/b>. That’s where<\/span> non-verbal<\/span><\/a> communication can play a significant role.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Establish <\/span>eye contact<\/b>, <\/span>smile <\/b>when you talk, and use <\/span>hand gestures. Focus on connecting to your audience with more than words<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Instead, send your message and build rapport with <\/span>open body language.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    \"Stand<\/span>#4. <\/b>P<\/b><\/span>ay Attention To Audience Expectations<\/b><\/h2>\n

    We’ve all had experiences before with getting <\/span>let down<\/span><\/i>. When someone doesn’t meet our expectations, it’s hard to build trust, and rapport instantly falls apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As a speaker<\/a>, ensure you pay attention to and meet your audience’s expectations. <\/b>For example, if they’re expecting humor and intrigue, don’t give them a boring presentation that puts them to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

    For example, I always know <\/span>exactly <\/span><\/i>what my audience wants whenever I step on stage. <\/span>And I give it to them<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You can also look at<\/span> Clean Comedians<\/span><\/a> for an excellent example of this. Before speaking at a corporate event, our team of performers deep-dives into what the organization is all about and then constructs <\/span>humorous<\/b>, <\/span>relevant<\/b> content around them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It’s usually that simple!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    \"Audience<\/span>Bonus:\u00a07 Tips For Managing Diversity In The Workplace<\/a><\/p>\n

    #5. <\/b>O<\/b><\/span>ffer Up A Story In Which You Make A Mistake<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The best way to build rapport with your audience is by telling stories and using humor. <\/span>So why not combine the two?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    Tell your listeners a hilarious story they can relate to that keeps them on their toes. But don’t stop there.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Your listeners don’t want to see you as a machine talking <\/span>“at”<\/span><\/i> them. <\/span>They want to know that you’re human, just like them! <\/b>Instead, tell a<\/span>\u00a0self-deprecating story<\/span><\/a> that paints them a picture while making them laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

    #6. <\/b>R<\/b><\/span>amp Up The Enthusiasm<\/b><\/h2>\n

    To build audience rapport, you need to show them that you are enthusiastic and passionate about what you will speak about. Without this outward representation of<\/span> eagerness<\/span><\/a>, no trust will be built!<\/span><\/p>\n

    No one wants to listen to a dull or bored speaker.<\/b> So don’t be that!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Audiences<\/span>#7. <\/b>T<\/b><\/span>ry Using The Word <\/b>“We”<\/i><\/b> Instead Of <\/b>“You”<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n

    I’ve already said this a couple of times. But I’ll repeat it because it’s that crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don’t talk “at” your listeners. Have a conversation with them<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don’t use words that will alienate your audience and draw an imaginary line between you and them. <\/span>Instead, connect with your audience and build rapport!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    A common mistake many public speakers make is overusing the word <\/span>“you.”<\/b> And that builds a virtual wall between you and your listeners.<\/span><\/p>\n

    So, swap out the word <\/span>“you”<\/b> with <\/span>“we.”<\/b> That shows you’re on the same side as them and starts to build a solid relationship between you and your audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are some examples to help you master this small change<\/a> in dialect:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n