How to Connect With Your Online Audience

When you give a speech, you want to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression. There are many ways you can win your audience’s attention, but it can be more difficult to engage with them online. And once you do captivate your audience, you want them to remember your message. In this month’s column, I address two frequently asked questions, both centered around your audience.

How do you connect with and captivate your audiences when you give speeches on Zoom?

While presenting on Zoom is different, it isn’t as different as you might think. There are many similarities to an in-person speech. Yes, you lose some abilities, but you also gain some.

How do you prepare for your in-person speeches? First, you grab your audience’s attention with your opening words. That could be a surprising statement, a powerful quotation, or a question. You want them to say, “Wow, I really need to hear this.” Start your speech the same way on Zoom.

Next, you want to ensure your content is compelling, as that keeps their attention. This is the same online. Finally, how do you end your in-person speeches? With a strong conclusion and powerful ending line. Same with Zoom.

Your vocal expressiveness is also the same online. Yes, you lose a couple of key methods. Body language and use of the stage are difficult. But while they may not see your body online, they do see your face, which then becomes your stage. How can you use it to your advantage?

I am known for my expressiveness, not only with my body and my voice, but also with my facial expressions. I learned just how effective that is on Zoom after a couple of Toastmasters speeches. Both evaluators commented on the power of my facial expressions. Let your face work for you. It can work well in the in-person environment, but even more so on Zoom.

Lastly, recognize that, on Zoom, you are inside a box. What could you do to take advantage of the edges and other characteristics of the box to better communicate and illustrate your message? A small screen gives you a unique opportunity to literally and figuratively think outside the box. Let your imagination go wild.

Should you thank your audience at the end of your speech?

This is a time-honored question in Toastmasters. And the same answer is typically put forth: “You shouldn’t thank them. They should thank you.”

I personally see the question and answer as focusing on the wrong area. They are focused on speech mechanics. Basically, a list of do’s and don’ts. A list of rules to follow. As long as you follow the right protocol, you are thought to be fine.

What that doesn’t take into consideration is the purpose and overall effectiveness of the speech. This, instead, should be our primary focus.

When you speak outside of your club, recognize that you have a specific purpose for speaking to your audience. The question I ask before writing a speech is: What do I want them to think, feel, and do differently when I am done?

That determines what you say. Are you wanting to persuade them to a particular belief or to take some action? Are you wanting to inspire them? Even if you are looking to instruct them, there is an end result that you want to achieve. What is it?

Executive speech coach Patricia Fripp has a great principle. She says, “Your last words linger.” In other words, your audience will remember the last words you say.

If you want your audience to remember “thank you,” end with “thank you.” If you want them to take some sort of action, end with a call to action. If you want to inspire, end with an inspirational sentence. Use your last words to punctuate your message and change their life.

Watch 2020 World Champion of Public Speaking Mike Carr's effective use of online space in his championship speech.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a question for The Answer Man, email it to magazine@toastmasters.org for a chance to be featured in an upcoming column. Questions are occasionally edited for clarity and brevity.

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