Say It with Presentations, Second Edition, Revised & Expanded, 2nd Edition

Whom Do You Want to Convince?

Here’s what experienced presenters have said about knowing their audience:

Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it To Whom It May Concern.

Ken Haemer, AT&T

There is no such thing as a dumb audience. If they don’t understand, it’s because you can’t communicate.

Harvey Golub, American Express

I don’t analyze my audience; I analyze the individuals in my audience.

Lowell Bryan, McKinsey & Company

It’s not what you say that counts; it’s what they hear.

Red Auerbach, Boston Celtics

I’m sure you’ll agree that you’d talk differently to a group of bankers about the effect of, for instance, technology in the banking industry than you would to a class of elementary ...