Common ground

In connecting with an audience, large or small, it's imperative that we address the common ground. Whatever you're selling: ideas, products, or yourself, people will grant you their attention, and "buy in" to the degree that they know you are real.

The littlest things, the weather, the traffic, the conversation with the teenage son or daughter the night before.... These can be stories that expose our human frailties.

This should occur as early as possible, and is a masterful way to involve and engage your listener with questions.

A conversational tone communicates that we are being ourselves... I don't mean overly casual, and informal..... It can be taken too far... But the importance of making the connection can't be overlooked.

It's definitely not "all about you"! "They don't care how much you know, till they know how much you care".

There's a fun game called "You don't know me". Each student lists three facts about themselves, only one of which is true.

I was at Woodstock. I have published three books. I have a pilot's license. Will the true statement please stand up?

It's a lot of fun and you learn something that you didn't know about the person.