Management Tip of the Day: Presentation Coming? Know These Things About Your Audience

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile OCTOBER 11, 2012 Presentation Coming? Know These Things About Your Audience You need to understand people on a somewhat personal level to develop a presentation that resonates with them. But how? Start by asking yourself these questions, and use your answers to tailor your speech: What are they like? Think through a day in the lives of your audience. Reference something that they face every day so they'll know you "get" them. Why are they here? What do they think they're going to get out of your presentation? Are they willing participants or mandatory attendees? Highlight what's in it for them. What keeps them up at night? Everyone has fears or pain points. Let your audience know that you empathize — and that you're here to help. How can you solve their problems? How are you going to make their lives better? Point to benefits you know your audience cares about. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Buy the book and learn what it takes to be an effective speaker » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT The $10 Trillion Prize: Captivating the Newly Affluent in China and India Ebook Now Available Do you know that there will be nearly one billion middle-class consumers in China and India within the next ten years? So how do you convert these new consumers into customers? In "The $10 Trillion Prize", best-selling author Michael J. Silverstein and his Boston Consulting Group colleagues provide the first comprehensive profile of the emerging middle class primed to transform the global marketplace. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Break the Cycle of Responsiveness Imprecision Can Aid Decision-Making Become a More Valuable Employee Starting a Business? Skip the Plan Make Sure You're Solving the Right Problem Ask Your Critic to Join Your Team Improve Your Presentation in Real Time Know the Culture Before You Accept the Job Debunk the Myths Holding Your Company Back Capture Your Audience Right Away All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)