1. Here are the most important things you can do to nail the connection with your audience.

2. Great eye contact!

a. See your eye contact as an object of substance, something real and solid.

b. Remember that a prime reason for eye contact is RECEIVING energy from the audience. Your talk is never a monologue. It's always a dialogue, even if the audience doesn't speak to you.

c. Keep your eye contact conversational. Actually speak to, visit with, one person at a time. When you switch your thought, then it's a logical time to move your eye contact to a new person.

3. Take responsibility for the connection with your audience. Be prepared. Give energy, even if you aren't receiving energy. Don't dwell on negative people. Look for someone giving you positive energy. Find a Friendly Face. Give them your eye contact and energy.

4. Know your opening remarks so well that you can relax and focus on your connection with the audience right from the very start. If you only have time to put in extra work on one part of your talk, let it be your opening.

5. In your opening remarks, let the audience know why THEY are important. Why are they important to other people? Why are they important at work? Or why are they important to you?

6. Also, in your opening remarks, make certain they understand why the subject material of your talk is important and relevant to them.

7. It is a good idea to acknowledge the person who introduced you. That person worked to give you a great introduction. That person is probably well known and well liked by the audience. Both the introducer and the audience will feel good if you say something specific and nice about the introducer other than just, "Thank you for that wonderful introduction."

8. Your connection to the audience will be strengthened if you keep their interest! Add variety to your presentation. Do something different at least every seven minutes. Humor. Props. Visual graphics. Music. Singing. Dancing. Juggling. Stories.

9. You will also connect with your audience by using good organization techniques. A well-organized talk gives the audience hooks on which to hang key points and remember your message. An easy-to-remember talk keeps the audience with you and helps you connect.

Copyright 2005 by John Kinde. John Kinde is a humor specialist who has been in the training and speaking business for over 30 years specializing in teambuilding, customer service and stress management. Special reports available: Show Me The Funny -- Tips for Adding Humor to Your Presentations and When They Don't Laugh -- What To Do When the Laughter Doesn