You're making a presentation to an audience of dozens, or perhaps a speech to thousands. Whatever the situation, you see a sea of faces and know you'll address a large audience.

But, did you know you can speak more effectively by addressing just one person at a time, no matter the size of the audience? It may seem a contradiction in terms to speak to just one person in an audience of dozens or hundreds, but it is not.

I learned the lesson rather late in my radio career, to my regret. The logic goes like this: You may be speaking to a crowd but it is being received only individuals. Every audience comprises many individuals, and each of them hears the message for herself or himself, and not for the audience as a whole.

When I finally did use the technique In radio, I spoke to just one person, rather than announce to thousands. That individual person could be my wife, perhaps a friend. It didn't really matter whom, so long as I spoke to the audience in the same way that I would speak to one other person. If you're looking for examples, watch experienced guests in television interviews; they always focus on the interviewer, not the audience beyond the camera.

When making presentations or speaking publicly, I like a technique that many professional speakers recommend: Pick one person; speak a sentence or two of your speech to her, then pick someone in another part of the room and repeat the process with him. Rinse and repeat, as the saying goes, and by the time you finish your speech, you'll have made direct contact with dozens, while everyone else thinks you've spoken directly to them, too. What'.

Behind all this, of course, is the goal of getting members of the audience to respond to your speech or presentation the way you intend. Whether that’s to understand something, or to accept an idea, or buy something, that’s the goal. And, by speaking to individuals you increase the odds you’ll get through to each of them, and in turn they’ll respond as you wish. And that's the whole point of every presentation or speech.

Robert F. Abbott is an online writer and publisher specializing in consumer information sites, including a QuickList on Cuisinart Mixers , and business communication, including articles that help you increase your communication skills and knowledge.

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