Give Your Audience More Than They Expect

“Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back a lot more than you’d expect” – Robert Half, founder and president of Robert Half International Employment Agency

When you speak, you want the audience to leave, wanting to hear more from you. One great way to do this is to give your audience more than they expect.

When you give your audience more than they expect, you “break out of the crowd” of speakers who just speak and don’t offer more.

Below are three ways you can give your audience more than they expect:

Exclusive Content

Your audience will significantly thank you if you provide exclusive content unavailable to the general public. This exclusive content increases your presentation’s value in your audience’s eyes.

Exclusive content could include research findings, industry trends, insider tips, or personal anecdotes that offer unique perspectives or valuable information.

For instance:

• Industry trends derived from formal research findings are valuable because of the credibility it gives to what you are saying.

• Insider tips about what new job requirements will be like in one year, five years, or ten years in the industry in which your audience works are valuable to your audience. This gives them time to adjust to these new job requirements.

• Personal stories that tie in with your subject are “gold” to your audience and you. It personalizes you to the audience. You have walked in the footsteps they will.

Sharing exclusive content with your audience demonstrates your willingness to give them special access and reflects your expertise and insider knowledge.

There is very little material you can give your audience they could not discover themselves if they had the time, motivation, and persistence. However, they usually don’t. It is doubtful they will know even 25% of what you are telling them, if that. Your value as a speaker is integrating this material to make it meaningful, relevant, and actionable for your audience.

Giving your audience exclusive content certainly gives them more than they expect.

You also give them opportunities to network with you and, maybe more important, each other.

Networking Opportunities

Arranging a networking session or informal meet-and-greet after your speech is another excellent way to give your audience more than they expect.

A previously planned networking event after your presentation allows the audience to connect with you and engage in meaningful conversations. It also allows them to network with other audience members with similar interests or professional backgrounds.

You can increase the value of these sessions by giving audience members three questions to ask other audience members to “prime the network pump:”

• Why did you attend tonight’s presentation?

• How does tonight’s presentation help you in your endeavors?

• If you apply one thing from tonight’s presentation that would make a difference in your endeavors, what would it be, and how would you use it?

If you had the time, motivation, and persistence, you could find all the information you need to succeed. It would take you much longer than if you used the information you get from others. In other words, networking will significantly increase the level and speed of your success.

By offering networking opportunities, you facilitate connections, encourage knowledge exchange, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Giving your audience exclusive content and opportunities to network with you and each other gives your audience more than they expect.

They will also get more than expected if you offer consultation and coaching.

Personal Consultation and Coaching

Offering personal, one-on-one consultation and coaching sessions to interested audience members is a third way to give your audience more than they expect.

Think about it. As an audience member, can you get more of your questions answered during a presentation by a speaker or a one-on-one session? Every audience knows that individual attention to their wants and needs is more valuable than a presentation delivered to an audience.

This can be an opportunity for individuals to receive personalized guidance, feedback, and advice related to the topic of your speech.

Always offer a free half or one-hour consultation session. Offering a free session lowers the bar for your audience members. Once you provide this, your challenge will be to ensure you manage the timing of the sessions.

By offering personalized consultations, you extend your expertise beyond the general audience and provide tailored support to those seeking additional assistance or mentorship.

So give your audience more than they expect by delivering exclusive content, presenting opportunities to network with you and each other, and offering personal consultation and coaching sessions.

Under promise, over deliver. For decades, this has been the sales formula for the most successful salespeople and speakers.

It will be a winner for you!

Call to Action

• Give your audience exclusive content they will not find anywhere else.

• Provide planned opportunities for your audience to network with you and each other.

• Offer personal consultation and coaching sessions to allow your audience to learn what you say faster and, more importantly, apply it more quickly in their personal and professional lives.

“Here is a powerful yet simple rule. Always give people more than they expect to get.” – Nelson Boswell, self-help author

Frank DiBartolomeo is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and award-winning speaker, presentation and interview skills coach, and Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Toastmasters International’s highest individual award, Distinguished Toastmaster because of his outstanding work in public speaking and leadership.

Frank formed DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC (www.speakleadandsucceed.com) in 2007. The mission of DCI is to help technical professionals to inspire, motivate, and influence their colleagues and other technical professionals by improving their presentation skills, communication, and personal presence. Reach Frank at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com and (703) 509-4424.

Don’t miss Frank DiBartolomeo’s latest book!

“Speak Well and Prosper: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Better Presentations”

Available now at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com