Establish Credibility

DID YOU KNOW? 

Statistics say that you have 60 seconds to capture the attention of an audience.

The first step to capture the attention of the audience is through establishing credibility. This can result in establishing rapport with the audience, moreover connecting with the audience.

Diverse Audience

It is important to note that by "anticipating your audience, you will have a better idea of how to organize your presentation" (Guffrey, 2003). It is also important to note that "other elements, such as age, gender, education, experience, and size of audience will affect your style and message content" (Guffrey, 2003). Therefore, the connection with the audience is a primary step in establishing credibility with the audience.

There are three components to establishing credibility:

1. Your Position
2. Your Knowledge
3. Your Experience

Ask yourself, what would you like to deliver or accomplish through your presentation. Would you like to inform, persuade, inspire or educate your audience on your specific topic?

Always make sure you convey to the audience why the they should listen to you.  Avoid dull starts, such as "it's a pleasure to be here" or "I'm honoured to be asked to speak" (Guffrey, 2003). Use quotations, jokes, facts or even personal antidotes. If you as a presenter share personal experiences with the audience, then they will be enticed to listen to you. Relatively, according to Guffrey (2003), "nothing connects you faster or better with your audience than a good personal story".

Just remember, it is your time to shine. You are the most knowledgeable about your specific topic and you know exactly what you want to do with your content. 

The above short video is an example of two young ladies establishing credibility within the introduction of their presentation. Their introduction follows the three components of credibility, as they state their purpose, their knowledge and also their experience. 

Works Cited:

Guffey, M. E. (2003). Business Communication: Process and Product, 4e. Thomson, South-

Western