As a professional speaker and training specialist my job is to first connect with the audience or the workshop attendees before I can truly make a difference. All my programs are designed to do my best to connect on common ground with my clients and help pull them into the purpose of the program to get the most out of the session.
I've found that the worst thing I can do is stand up on a stage and shout or speak at the folks sitting in the room. It's very rewarding for me as well as most of the audience if I can connect, step off the platform and get down in the trenches and share, inspire and motivate with my message and purpose.
I'm confident that when speakers and trainers develop the ability to connect and engage, rather than just talk at or too their audience, the people will gain more, meeting planner will be pleased and the organization stands a greater chance to experience change, growth, and a return on investment of training.
It's all in the purpose and mission, connecting on common ground!
