How to Build Rapport With a Large Audience: Expert Tips From the Stage

What if you could captivate any audience effortlessly, no matter the setting?

Building rapport with an audience can seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re staring out at a sea of faces. But here’s the truth: connecting with a crowd is a skill anyone can learn. Whether you're presenting in a boardroom or on a stage in front of thousands, the key to rapport lies in being congruent, intentional, and engaging. Let’s explore how you can become a master at building rapport with any audience.

Understand Your Audience

First, let’s talk about what we mean by “audience.” Your crowd might be a dozen people in a boardroom, a hundred conference attendees, or even thousands in a theater. The approach changes depending on the context.

In smaller settings, like a boardroom, focus on connecting with the most influential person in the room—usually the decision-maker. Winning their attention and trust is often enough to sway the entire group.

In larger settings, you need to expand your reach. Think about engaging the people in the back of the room. Imagine your energy as waves radiating outward. Everyone, from the front row to the last, should feel like you’re speaking directly to them.

The Mandel Triangle: Your Secret Weapon

At the heart of building rapport with an audience is the Mandel Triangle—a framework made up of Confidence, Congruence, and Conviction, with Calibration at its center. These elements work together to make your communication magnetic and impactful.

• Confidence: Confidence conveys certainty. Stand tall, speak clearly, and if you’re not feeling confident, act as if you were. Confidence draws people to you.
• Congruence: Congruence aligns your words, tone, and body language. If they are consistent, your message is clear and believable. Inconsistency, however, creates confusion and mistrust.
• Conviction: Conviction is about focused intention. Know what you want to achieve and channel your energy toward that outcome, making your message naturally compelling.
• Calibration: Calibration is the glue. Always observe your audience’s reactions and adjust. If you notice they’re disengaged, shift your approach to regain their attention.

The beauty of the Mandel Triangle is that working on any one area improves the others. Start by identifying where you need the most improvement and practice calibrating in real time. With this framework, you’ll create meaningful connections and leave a lasting impression every time you communicate.

Click here to learn more about the Mandel Triangle and how to apply it.

Engaging the Entire Room

Once you’ve established your foundation, it’s time to make sure everyone feels included. The best way to do this is by being larger than life. No, you don’t need to shout or act over-the-top, but you do need to amplify your energy, gestures, and presence.

Use your voice dynamically—vary your tone, pitch, and pace to hold their attention. Be expressive with your body language. Your gestures should be intentional and big enough to be seen by everyone, even those in the back.

Body language is one of the keys to delivering fascinating presentations. Click here to learn more about Mike’s presentation methods, and here for additional body language tips.

Add Humor (When Appropriate)

Humor is a fantastic way to break the ice and create a connection even in formal settings. When used well, it makes you more relatable and keeps your audience engaged. That said, know your context. What’s funny in a comedy act might not land during a technical presentation.

Here’s a quick example: Mike once did a humor-based routine where he pretended to be an expert in an unfamiliar field. At one point, he pulled out a fake gun and banged it on the podium as a joke. It startled the audience, but because it fit the comedic context, it worked brilliantly. The key? Know your audience and the setting. Use humor to enhance your message, not distract from it.

What Not to Do

We’ve all sat through presentations that were, let’s face it, painful. Think about those early PowerPoint days when presenters would read every word off the slides in a monotonous voice. It’s a surefire way to lose an audience.

Instead, focus on being engaging and interactive. Use slides sparingly—they should enhance your talk, not dominate it. If you rely on slides, you risk becoming background noise.

Quick Tips to Improve Immediately

Here are a few practical tips you can use right away:

• Start strong: Grab your audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds. Whether it’s a story, a question, or a bold statement, make them sit up and take notice.
• Tell stories: People love stories. They’re memorable and create emotional connections. Share anecdotes that illustrate your key points. If you’re familiar with hypnosis, using metaphors adds an extra layer of engagement.
• Stay energized: Your energy is contagious. If you’re passionate and dynamic, your audience will feel it and respond in kind.

Building rapport with an audience is about more than just speaking. It’s about creating a connection, earning trust, and leaving a lasting impression. By understanding your audience, applying the Mandel Triangle, and engaging with authenticity, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a presenter people love to listen to.

Remember, every time you step on stage, you have the opportunity to make an impact. Use these tools and watch your presentations transform.