Too many people stand up and just spout forth with information without thinking about how to lead the audience through a logical sequence of learning.
It’s really important to have a clear structure that you work through systematically so both you and your audience can stay on track and follow through on your thinking.
So, once you have delivered your powerful opening, let them know what they can expect next.
This is called ‘signposting’ and sets the agenda for what’s to come.
It’s like giving them a route map with the destination clearly marked out.
The benefits of this are as follows –
It puts the audiences mind at ease and there are no nasty surprises.
It immediately shows you have taken time to plan and prepare your talk so you instantly gain respect.
It gives you a chance to let the audience know what you will be covering and what they can expect to gain from listening to you.
It allows you to mention that you will have valuable takeaways, special offers, dynamic next steps.
It puts the audience at ease as they can see you are professional and have thought about what’s in it for them.
They will be looking forward to the different aspects of your talk and are more likely to be interested in your offerings at the end.
A typical signposting would be as follows –
- Establishing your credibility – a little about your background, knowledge and expertise.
- Sharing a common myth or well known fears that you are going to address.
- Your promise of sharing ways to dispel the myth or overcome the fears
- Letting them know if there are going to be interactive exercises, , it will keep the snoozers awake!
- Pre-empting that there will be actions and takeaways
- Announcing that there will be a special offer just for them.
Then talk through this structure so the audience can follow your train of thought, stay on track and reach the destination you have planned.