Management Tip of the Day: Get to Know Your Unknown 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 NOVEMBER 5, 2012 Get to Know Your Unknown Audience People don't fall asleep during conversations, but they often do during presentations — because many presentations don't feel like discussions. Knowing your audience helps you take on a conversational tone. But how can you get to know a roomful of strangers? Start by doing some research online. If you have a list of attendees, look up their bios. If you only know generalities about the audience, check social media feeds about the event and read what's on the minds of those attending. If you're presenting to a company, read its annual report, find recent press mentions, and follow the organization on social channels. 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 HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR Press TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PRESENTATIONS. Terrified of speaking in front of a group? Or simply looking to polish your skills? No matter where you are on the spectrum, this guide will give you the confidence and the tools you need to get results. Written by presentation expert Nancy Duarte, the "HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations" will help you: (1) Win over tough crowds, (2) Organize a coherent narrative, (3) Create powerful messages and visuals, (4) Connect with and engage your audience, (5) Show people why your ideas matter to them, and (6) Strike the right tone, in any situation. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Toss the Old Rules for Selling Reward Yourself for Doing the Tasks You Hate Try Crowdsourcing Your Performance Reviews Make a Job Offer That They'll Accept Save Time by Saying No To Persuade a Listener, Establish Common Ground How to Cultivate Ethical Employees What to Expect If You Take a Bad Job Change Your Company's Story How to Practice for Your Presentation All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 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)