One Presentation Away

Chapter 13Attracting an Audience

I remember a phone call I received from one of my clients who had just delivered his first large conference presentation. Previously, he had spoken to audiences of 100 or so, but this was his first big one—a 5,000-person auditorium at a main industry event in the United States. Heading into the presentation, he was incredibly nervous, but as the true entrepreneur he is, he had put in the time and effort to practice his presentation and refine it to a point where it became part of him, not just a presentation he was giving. He spoke for 45 minutes, delivered some incredible stories, and ended with a standing ovation. He called me right after he stepped off the stage and said, “Colin, I've built a lot of companies and made a lot of money in my life, but that was the most exhilarating experience I've ever had. I feel like I'm born to do this.” The cool thing was that the event organizer had tapped him on the shoulder and said, “I want you to be the main headline speaker for next year's conference.”

Speaking in front of an engaged audience, whether in person or virtual, is one of the most euphoric experiences you can have. The thrill of seeing people laughing and leaning in or commenting enthusiastically in the chat is such a blast. That's why I wanted to share with you how to attract an audience. The truth is, you can have the greatest presentation and the most incredible offer, but if no one is there to hear it, there will be no point to it. This ...