How does one connect with an audience?

People want to listen to someone who is interesting, relaxed and comfortable. In routine conversations that we have every day, we have no problem being ourselves. Yet too often, when we stand up to give a speech, something changes. We focus on the "public" at the expense of the "speaking." To be an effective public speaker, you must do just the opposite -- focus on speaking and let go of the "public." Begin by having a conversation. It is also important to remember you are not the most important person in the room. The audience is. Effective communicators not only make audiences feel comfortable but also have a purpose in what they're saying. Whether your audience consists of two people or 2,000, whether you're talking about the latest medical breakthrough or what you did today at work, it's all about talking directly to people, being authentic and making a connection.

What are some tips for focusing on your listeners?

Audience attention usually comes in waves. People will be with you for a few minutes, then their attention will wander for 30 seconds or so, then it may come back or may continue to wander. Never get angry with an audience member for your inability to keep them interested. One of the best ways to connect with listeners is through eye contact. Looking into people's eyes may seem intimidating, but it's something we do every day in one-on-one conversations. It makes people feel important and feel that you care about them.

How can a speaker get over a mistake?

Even the most accomplished public speaker makes mistakes. Yet the only one who cares is the speaker. Most people only absorb 20 percent of a speaker's message. The point is that when you make a mistake, the audience rarely even notices. The most important thing to do is keep going. Don't stop. Never apologize for a minor slip.

What separates a storyteller from a preacher?

All great stories have three things in common: a beginning, a middle and an end. Following this basic structure is essential to effective communication. Audiences are trained by experience to listen to the beginning, identify when the speaker is in the middle or "heart," of the talk and recognize when the speech is ending. Speeches also should have an overarching "story"-- be it training, inspiration, persuasion or entertainment, and each story should contribute to the overall thesis of the speech. People don't care about facts as much as they care about feelings.

Dawn House