They say there’s only two ways to get an audience motivated to actually do anything, and that’s either to make them angry or to appeal to their patriotic nature. It’s not much of a choice is it? But if we’re to become effective and influential presenters – and that’s what these blogs are about – then we’ll have to take what we’re given and do as we’re told.
For the latter, a patriotic speech might require a choir softly humming ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ as we reach the climax of our talk – it might be appropriate (just) for parliament or the campaign trail but it’s going to leave most audiences baffled if it’s supposed to be a presentation on remote-server access.
Aristotle made a great remark on the nature of anger. He said that we only ever get angry when either we feel we’re not being treated with enough respect or when a friend of ours is not being treated with enough respect. Only those two situations will generate anger, and no others. Surprising huh?
So to get your audience motivated you’ll need to get them roused. You might well make them angry and therefore motivated, if you make them believe a business competitor is laughing at them behind their backs – or is using underhand tactics to steal customers and clients that by all rights should be theirs. You’ll have to be careful though, as your competitors might hear of what you’re saying and issue you with a writ! Maybe it’s best to name no names.
Assuming you’ve been successful and they’re roused and now baying for blood, you’ll have to direct their energy otherwise the moment will be lost. Be very specific about what they’ve now got to do. Don’t fudge it with “work harder” or “be more efficient” that’s much too vague. Instead set specific targets and goals and then keep everyone up to date with how they’re progressing, so they know what’s working and what isn’t.
Oh dear! I think I’ve just described how Hitler motivated the German people to invade Poland in 1940.
Be careful with this advice; it’s dynamite!
{ 0 comments }