Knowing your audience is the key to a great presentation, so how do international public figures ensure they deliver their message globally?
BBC Radio Woman’s Hour recently evaluated Michelle Obama speaking at the 2016 Democratic Convention and compared this to the performance of Angela Merkel speaking to the Houses of Parliament in 2014.
Both women have very different personalities so how do they connect effectively?
Sounding more like a presidential candidate herself, Obama spoke passionately and convincingly, whilst Angela Merkel, (5 minutes into this video) opened in English and spoke in a soft, engaging and personal way.
Power versus emotion?
Despite their differing styles, both women employed emotion to reach out to their respective audiences.
Merkel remembered her first visit to Speakers’ Corner in London relishing in the free speech she had not enjoyed whilst growing up in East Germany: Whilst Obama talked passionately about her children growing up as proud Black Americans in the White House.
The verdict?
The commentators thought Michelle was the stronger speaker because she was more powerful, forthright and oratorical.
However given their contrasting audiences, we believe that both achieved their objectives. It would have been out-of-character and over-the-top if Angela had spoken in the style of Michelle in the more intimate setting of the Houses of Parliament and equally for Michelle to speak softly at the Democratic Convention.
Your audience is your sole judge. Is your presentation right for them? Are you addressing their needs?
And above all, will they leave with the message you want them to take away.
Posted by Barry Graham on Monday, September 5th, 2016 in Features › News ›
Tags: know your audience, right message