Unique Talks Instead of Routine: How Speakers Truly Reach Their Audience
Anyone who pays a lot of money for a ticket or invests their valuable time to attend a seminar or talk wants to feel part of a special moment. No one wants the impression of experiencing the 500th identical performance that runs like a perfectly oiled machine. Events are most powerful when they feel like a unique evening – ideally also for the speaker or trainer themselves.
Why Personal References Immediately Engage the Audience
Mention the name of the city where you are performing or giving your seminar. Refer to the time of day, the place, or something that appeared in the newspaper today.
Whenever the audience feels that something is meant personally, they like it.
If you convey that you know exactly where you are today, people feel noticed and appreciated.
Of course, mentioning the place or the time should relate to the topic you are speaking about that day. But since you already see the world through the lens of your topic, that is not difficult. You simply need to pay attention.
Small Observations Create Big Attention
Even small details at the venue can become effective talking points.
I once mentioned a cardboard advertising stand from an insurance company in front of the hall that said: “Please feel free to call me!” – although you cannot really ask someone to do something with pleasure.
The same applies to a sign reading “Staff Toilet” on the first of four restrooms – which of course everyone uses because they assume it is the cleanest one.
But it can also be the friendly caretaker, the impressive hall, or the tram line number 1 in Halle that runs toward “Frohe Zukunft” (“Happy Future”).
People in Castrop-Rauxel want to hear you say Castrop-Rauxel at least once. But be careful. It is not pronounced Söst, but Sooohhhst (Soest). It is not Neckars-ulm, but Neckar-Sulm (because the river is called Sulm). And it is not Konstanz – locals say Konschtanz. They also say BAYreuth, not BayREUTH. Mispronouncing names will quickly cost you points with the audience.
“Planned Break-Up”: Why Imperfect Moments Create Attention
In American theatre there is a term called “planned break-up.” It describes a moment when the smooth flow of a performance appears to be interrupted.
For example:
- the actors cannot continue because they are laughing
- a door gets stuck
- or a prop is missing
This is the moment people talk about during the break at the standing tables. It is often the moment that ends up in the newspaper.
Perfection creates aggression, and that is why audiences long for the special, imperfect moment that attracts attention and at the same time reassures them through its imperfection.
Of course, such a moment is usually carefully rehearsed and happens the same way every evening.
How Speakers Should Handle Real Mistakes
Even if the mishap is not rehearsed and something unexpected simply happens, there is only one reason it could bother me: if it bothers you.
If you start stuttering, apologizing with a bright red face, and you are obviously embarrassed, then I suffer along with you.
But if you smile and explain that this can happen and that you are not brave enough to try it again now, I will applaud – for your confidence and for the cool way you deal with mistakes.
Good Entertainment Is a Matter of Preparation
Entertaining people well is a matter of preparation.
More in my book:
“Rhetoric is not an art, but no problem.”
Michael Rossié is a communication trainer, keynote speaker, and author with more than 30 years of experience in rhetoric, presentation, and effective communication. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and former vice president of the German Speakers Association, he supports executives, media professionals, and companies in communicating more clearly, convincingly, and confidently. In his talks, he combines solid communication expertise with humor, practical insights, and engaging entertainment.
