Praise your Audience
Goodness, how people struggle with this idea!
In our sessions I often encourage you to begin a meeting or presentation by saying something positive about those in front of you.
“Just say thank you for being on time” I encourage with a desperate tone. I mean, it’s not that hard! But somewhere along the line, we became averse to the idea.
Enter Taylor Swift. OK, this may be very different to what you need, but the exaggerated examples are there in spades. And it works
Swift tells her Swiftees (yes, they have a name) “I love you so much. . . . I’m so obsessed” She adds, “Beautiful, stunning, passionate Melbourne”. . . “Look at you. Absolutely phenomenal”
There were many other Taylor Swift lessons from her performances. She had a love heart gesture everyone imitated. She had pre-organised (via Tik Tok, I am told) chants from her audience.
She dumbed down the language by suggesting she was flattered everyone was ‘mucking out with me on a Friday night” and knew people had been “hanging out with me for 15 years”.
She had tangible product with everyone exchanging friendship bracelets and she suggested behaviours, thanking them for being sharing and kind. She also suggested when she may be sad in the future, she was going to remember this moment of happiness. She had a large concept of ‘world-building’ (which did sarcastically remind me of the TV comedy Utopia) and there was colour and excitement to burn.
You don’t have to do all of these things, but please take away one thing: Say something . . . anything . . . nice about the people in front of you when you start a meeting or presentation. It works.
Here are some toned down examples to help you get started:
It’s great to see everyone here in person this morning
How marvellous to have some bright colours in the room
Looks like some of you brought the sunshine from Brisbane this morning
I love it that we are all on time
What a wonderful way to start a Monday to be here together
Etc
Let me know your thoughts.
