Know Your Audience
The best way to avoid a nervous meltdown on stage is to know your topic and what people in the audience need to hear. That starts with as much research as you have time to do.
Every speech should be constructed with the particular audience that will be addressed in mind. The Internet has made doing research on any subject easier than ever, although it does require some time to sort through the choices. Punch in “Indianapolis marketing demographics” and you will get 420,000 hits to consider. The local chamber of commerce, the club president, the teacher of the class, the rabbi who will be introducing you, or the union steward who asked you to speak can give you useful background. Industry publications, city magazines and newspapers, local tourism and business Web sites, and even those who have spoken to the same group before can also be helpful resources.
Ask about age, politics, religion, education level, and diversity of professions of those likely to attend, as well as revered cultural and sports institutions and historical highlights of the group or city. Determine if there are sensitive issues within your topic for this group and how well the average attendee is likely to understand the basics.
When you are at the podium, do not mistake blank faces for apathy or hostility. Some people do not smile when they are concentrating on what is being said. Others may be simply with-holding judgment until they hear more. And remember that your impressions are distorted under the influence of adrenaline. There is no reason to be paranoid.
Getting to the hall early will allow you to meet some attendees and get a sense of who they are and why they are there. This will bring that scary crowd down to individual human beings, help you connect with the group emotionally, and tell you something about what to say — or not.
