How do you build trust and manage reactions when presenting?

1 Know your audience

Before you design your presentation, do some research on your audience. Who are they, what are their needs, expectations, and preferences? How much do they already know about your topic, and what do they want to learn from you? How can you tailor your content, language, and style to suit them? Knowing your audience will help you create a presentation that is relevant, engaging, and respectful. It will also help you anticipate and address any potential objections, concerns, or questions they may have.

2 Establish rapport

One of the most important factors in building trust is rapport. Rapport is the connection and understanding that you create with your audience, based on mutual respect and interest. You can establish rapport by using a warm and friendly tone, smiling and making eye contact, using humor and stories, and showing enthusiasm and passion for your topic. You can also build rapport by involving your audience in your presentation, by asking them questions, inviting feedback, or using interactive activities. Rapport will help you create a positive and supportive atmosphere, where your audience feels comfortable and valued.

3 Be credible

Another key factor in building trust is credibility. Credibility is the impression that you are knowledgeable, reliable, and honest. You can enhance your credibility by demonstrating your expertise and experience, using credible sources and evidence, and acknowledging different perspectives and limitations. You can also boost your credibility by being prepared, organized, and professional, and by delivering your presentation with clarity and confidence. Credibility will help you earn your audience's respect and attention, and persuade them of your message.

4 Manage emotions

Presenting can trigger a range of emotions, both in yourself and in your audience. You may feel anxious, nervous, or excited, while your audience may feel curious, bored, or skeptical. How you manage these emotions can affect your presentation performance and outcome. You can manage your own emotions by using relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, and rehearsing your presentation. You can also manage your audience's emotions by using emotional appeals, such as stories, examples, or visuals, that capture their attention and interest, and by showing empathy and understanding for their feelings and needs. Managing emotions will help you cope with stress and uncertainty, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

5 Handle feedback

Feedback is an inevitable part of presenting, and it can be both positive and negative. Feedback can help you improve your presentation skills, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes. However, feedback can also be challenging, especially if it is unexpected, harsh, or unfair. How you handle feedback can affect your trust and relationship with your audience. You can handle feedback by being open, respectful, and grateful, and by listening actively and responding calmly and constructively. You can also handle feedback by asking for clarification, providing explanations, or offering solutions. Handling feedback will help you show your professionalism and maturity, and resolve any issues or conflicts.

6 Follow up

The last tip to build trust and manage reactions when presenting is to follow up with your audience. Following up means staying in touch with your audience after your presentation, by sending them a thank-you note, a summary of your key points, or any additional resources or information they may need. Following up also means asking for their feedback, opinions, or suggestions, and acting on them if necessary. Following up will help you show your appreciation and interest, reinforce your message and impact, and maintain or strengthen your relationship with your audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?