The first thing to do is to figure out exactly who you’re speaking to. Ask yourself:

• Is it a big room or a small room?
  
  

• Are there key groups within the audience with different priorities or knowledge levels?
  
  

• What do they already know, and what do they need to know?
  
  

• How do they feel about the topic? Are they excited, skeptical, or indifferent?
  
  

• What questions might they have, and what concerns might they bring with them?
  
  

The better you understand your audience, the easier it is to tailor your message, anticipate questions, and engage them effectively.

Once you know who they are, think about what your audience wants and needs from your presentation.

• Are they looking for information, inspiration, or practical strategies?
  
  

• Do they want a deep dive, or a high-level overview?
  
  

• What outcome would make your presentation worth their time?
  
  

Understanding their goals helps you prioritize what content to include, what to leave out, and how to structure your delivery.

Facts are important, but they’re not what your audience will remember most. Studies show that stories are 22 times more likely to be remembered than facts alone.

Use storytelling to:

• Illustrate key points
  
  

• Connect emotionally with your audience
  
  

• Make abstract concepts tangible
  
  

• Keep attention high, even for long presentations
  
  

When you combine audience awareness with storytelling, your presentation becomes more than just a speech — it becomes an experience that sticks.

Before you open your mouth, pause and reflect:

1. Who exactly is in the room?
   
   

2. What do they need most from me?
   
   

3. How can I make the best use of their time?
   
   

4. What stories or examples will make my message unforgettable?
   
   

Answering these questions ensures that every talk, no matter the size or topic, is focused, engaging, and meaningful.