Let me ask you this… Would you like to know how to connect with your audience, and come across as an expert who not only knows their material, but has the charismatic ability to motivate them to take action?
If so, then here’s the ticket:
Learn to nail your Why!
Why you ask? (Very Good) When you ask someone why, they typically answer with a because type of statement. So Why is that important? Answering Why will tell people the reasons they should invest their time and energy learning something from you, and sets the frame for your interaction. Answering Why up front helps your audience mentally format the material, and creates motivation and openness to new ideas.
Based on Adult Learning Styles, If you don’t begin each segment of your presentation with a why, you will leave about 35% of the population in the terminal when the plane is on the runway, and miss the chance to make a connection with them.
So now that you are on board, with your luggage stowed and your seatbelts fastened, here is how to create a compelling why for your audience:
1. Before you begin any type of presentation, take a few moments to float into the mind of your audience. Who are they? What do they know about your subject? Why are they there? How do you want them to be at the end of your session together? And here comes the big one: What is in it for them? Not you, THEM! Your Why isn’t that you want to sell somebody something or have them sign up for your next seminar. Why has to do with what value you will provide when they interact with you.
2. Your Why should under promise and over deliver. Notice in my Why- Which is the opening paragraph- I talk about what typically happens when people take the time to get very specific with defining your Why. I didn’t say that doing this one thing was going to get you gigs on Oprah and $100,000 speaking engagements.
3. Even if you think you know Why something is important, elicit feedback from your audience to determine if your Why is their why. Find out What is important to them, and include those reasons into your next presentation or article. There is nothing better than real feedback from real customers because they are the reason why you are in business in the first place.
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