Shake hands and introduce yourself to as many people as possible before speaking - WHILE listening attentively to who they are. This could be on the day, or even a few months before the day. And when you get on stage, refer to these relationships where you can. So your speech can be more about them than it is about you - at least at the start of your talk.

To instantly build rapport with a new audience, start by showing genuine interest in them. Begin with a warm, confident introduction and engage with a relatable story, humorous remark, or a question that encourages participation. Make eye contact and use open body language to convey approachability. Tailor your message to their interests or needs, demonstrating that you understand their perspective. By actively listening, being authentic, and creating a sense of connection, you establish trust and make your audience feel valued, setting the tone for a positive, engaging interaction.

I will say always start with a smile and a relatable story. We can for sure break the ice with humor or a shared experience making them feel like we are one of them. Lets remember People will forget what we said but they will never forget how we made them feel so its imp that we make them feel seen, heard & 100% engaged!

Tell a story. Pause appropriately and be interested in your own story. Then show why you're qualified to be there. And jump right in. Ensure you're organized in how you present the content, and also ensure there's a clear flow from one thing to another. Conclude by reiterating the takeaways, and leave plenty of time for questions. I warn the audience that if they don't have question, I'm going to ask them questions.

To instantly build rapport with a new audience, start by acknowledging their presence and expressing your appreciation for their time. Share a brief, relevant personal anecdote or a common interest to create an immediate connection. Use inclusive language and maintain eye contact to show you're engaged with them. Be enthusiastic and genuine in your delivery, demonstrating your passion for the topic. By focusing on building a connection and showing respect for your audience, you can quickly establish rapport and create a positive and receptive environment for your presentation.

If you're speaking in front of an audience, the first thing you want to do is arrive early—whether it’s for the event, meeting, or whatever—so you can start mingling with the audience beforehand. Second, based on any chats you’ve had before your speech, think of a story you can share and open with that. It’ll create a brilliant connection because you’re tying in something you’ve already picked up from the audience before stepping on stage. Third, consider who’s in your audience and choose a story that’ll resonate with them (yes, again, stories stories and stories!). Forth, humour.