The Art of Authentic Connection: Mastering Vulnerability in Public Speaking

John Hain

How do you create a connection with your audience? To connect means to be real, to be authentic. The audience wants to know who you are as a person, not just as a presenter. They want to know your challenges and your triumphs. But what is the line between authenticity and wearing your heart on your sleeve? When should you show vulnerability and why?

Traditionally, you were expected to come to work and leave your emotions at home. You didn’t mix business with personal issues. Today, in a more enlightened society, we realize you can’t separate your emotions from your persona. The mind and body are connected. And in an era where people crave connection, they want to know you as a real person. Sometimes that requires vulnerability to create trust. When you’re vulnerable, you model your humanity. People learn it’s okay not to be perfect. It creates empathy and gives them permission to be genuine. Showing vulnerability can build trust when done in the right way.

But how do you share your vulnerability without making people uncomfortable?

Assess the environment

The first consideration is to create a safe space. When you know the audience you can be more forthcoming. It’s riskier to be vulnerable with strangers.

Recently, I attended a professional workshop. The CEO of the company kicked off the meeting as was always the case and participated in the two day curriculum along with other presenters. Everyone in the room knew who she was, some more than others. This was not a first encounter.

Set the stage

She began by saying she had an announcement that she was dreading but had decided to tell us anyway. She built up to the message instead of blurting it out. She talked about her feelings and that her news was difficult to share. In other words she primed us for what was to come.

Deliver the message clearly and directly

Then she opened up and told us she had been diagnosed with a chronic disease. We listened to her story of the first symptoms and the subsequent diagnosis. She created a picture with her story and told us that this disease runs in her family. And even knowing it was genetic she hadn’t anticipated this situation to be part of her future. She explained she would sit during the lecture to preserve her energy.

Make a request

The next step was to make a definitive request. She explained that well-intentioned friends and family were giving her advice, referrals, and remedies. It was overwhelming and not helpful. She asked that nobody approach her with advice or even share their own past experience. She reiterated her request three different times and stated it with conviction. It was clear that there would be no exceptions. To my knowledge everyone honored her wishes.

Recap and thank you. End on a positive note.

She let people know she felt hopeful and positive. She mentioned that she was looking forward  to the workshop and then kicked off the program with enthusiasm. It’s important to not be a Debbie Downer. Being vulnerable does not make you a victim. End on a positive note.

When done right, vulnerability can be transformative through:

• Deeper connections: Audiences relate to your humanity

• Increased trust: Openness fosters a sense of honesty

• Memorable impact: Personal stories often resonate more than facts and figures

  Be vulnerable, be authentic, be you.

  Do you remember a time when a leader was vulnerable? What was the impact it had on you?

 To learn how to Speak Confidently and Effectively check out my LinkedIn learning course. It ranked in the Top 20 Most Popular courses for 2 years.

To learn techniques to overcome fear of speaking, read Chapter 3 of Knockout Presentations.

To work with me contact DiResta Communications, Inc.

3 Reasons Presenters Run Out of Time (and How to Avoid It)

As a presenter, you’ve done the work: you know your topic inside and out, and you’re well aware of the time you’ve been allotted. You start strong, confidently sharing your insights, but suddenly—bam—you’re out of time. Get the hook!  There's still so much more you wanted to cover. It’s every speaker’s nightmare.

When a presentation goes unfinished, it’s not just embarrassing—it can seriously undermine the speaker’s credibility and leadership. The audience feels cheated, and the presenter risks losing their status as an expert. So, why does this happen? The root cause often lies in poor planning and time management. Here are three common reasons presenters run out of time:

1. Overloading on Content

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to share every bit of knowledge you have on a subject, especially if you're passionate about it. One leader was concerned that his team meetings were not effective. After observing him I realized that he would make the same point three times. His presentation was too long and confusing. Bombarding your audience with an overwhelming amount of information can backfire. Analytical speakers, in particular, are prone to data dumps, thinking that by providing all the facts, they'll enrich the audience.

But here’s the reality: audiences can only absorb so much at once. Trying to cram too much material into your presentation increases the likelihood that you’ll run out of time. The solution? Prioritize. Focus on delivering the key takeaways that matter most to your audience, and leave the rest for follow-up resources or future discussions.

2. A Too-Lengthy Introduction

Even experienced speakers sometimes fall into the trap of starting their presentations with a lengthy introduction. It’s natural to want to establish rapport, build anticipation, and ease into the main content, but a drawn-out introduction can eat up precious time.

I once watched a speaker who I had heard before, and as he began his introduction, it was clear he was taking too long. Sure enough, he couldn’t deliver all the points he had promised, and I was left feeling unsatisfied. The introduction should serve to establish the tone, create rapport, and set up the presentation—but it shouldn’t be so long that it detracts from the core content. Keep it concise and impactful so you can dive into the real meat of your message.

3. Underestimating Audience Questions

Many presenters don’t fully account for the time that will be taken up by audience questions. Whether you’re taking questions throughout your presentation or saving them for the end, they can easily derail your timing. While incorporating Q&A throughout can be engaging and interactive, it often reduces the time left to finish your main points.

If you leave all questions until the end, the high volume of inquiries might mean you’ll run out of time to answer them all. A simple solution is to plan for a “buffer” at the end of your presentation, allowing ample time for questions and ensuring you finish on time. You can also consider limiting the number of questions or encouraging the audience to ask questions after the session to avoid rushing through the conclusion.

Conclusion: Build in Time for the Unexpected

Even the most prepared presenters can face time constraints due to unforeseen circumstances. But don’t let the reason you’re rushed be a lack of time management.

To ensure you stay on track, prioritize your content, keep your introduction brief, and anticipate the Q&A. Prepare, practice out loud, and time yourself to stay within your allotted slot. When you know your material, manage your time wisely, and understand your audience, you’ll be able to deliver a polished, on-time Knockout Presentation every time.

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Press Release For Immediate Release

DiResta Communications Delivers Highly Successful Webinar with Outstanding Audience Feedback –

Staten Island, NY DiResta Communications is pleased to announce the resounding success of the recent webinar, Get to the Point: Communicate More By Saying Less, which captivated an engaged audience and garnered exceptional feedback. The well-organized presentation and insightful content offered by Diane DiResta to the Alumni Learning Consortium, resonated deeply with viewers, as evidenced by the positive comments and high engagement rates.

With over 4,700 registrations for the event, the webinar saw a strong turnout, and 30% of attendees have already viewed the recorded session. We anticipate continued interest in the video, with more viewers expected in the coming months.

Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising Diane's clarity, depth of knowledge, and practical application of her advice. Below are a few highlights from the comments section:

• "Diane spoke clearly, succinctly, and was very informative. She knew her audience, which was impressive, and provided what she promised. I speak to a small group regularly and benefited from her advice in a practical and immediate way. Thank you." – John

• "Great webinar !!! 10/10 Very Likely to Recommend !!! - Thank you!" – Rafal

• "Excellent information!! I am no longer in the workforce, but I can easily see how these principles and tips can be used in settings with family, friends, community." – Rosemarie

"We are thrilled with the response to the webinar and grateful for the valuable feedback we received. It’s clear that Diane's expertise in communication continues to make a positive impact," said Ms. Cutler, Operations manager of ALC.. "We look forward to continuing to offer valuable insights through our upcoming events."

For those who were unable to attend live, the webinar recording is available for viewing. Get to the Point

About DiResta Communications:
DiResta Communications is a leading consulting firm specializing in communications training and coaching. With a focus on helping individuals and organizations achieve their communication goals, DiResta Communications offers expert guidance in public speaking, leadership communication, and interpersonal skills.

Media Contact:
Diane DiResta
Founder, CEO
DiResta Communications, Inc
Phone: 917 803-8663

Master Any Presentation with These Two Game-Changing Tips

What can a baby teach us about mastering presentations? A few years ago, I recalled a memory of a friend navigating new motherhood. She had just welcomed her first baby, and her mother stayed with her for the first week to help her adjust. Despite years of experience babysitting in her teens and early twenties, my friend was understandably nervous about caring for her own infant. She asked her mother if she would stay longer. Her mother, ever calm, offered this timeless advice:

“Oh, Elaine, it’s not that hard. Just keep his stomach full and his bottom dry.”

Brilliant in its simplicity! The wisdom behind those words has stayed with me, because it reminds us that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. And when it comes to public speaking, it’s the same principle: keep things clear and focused, and the rest will fall into place.

Presenting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Yet, many people get bogged down in the details—choosing the right words, worrying about how they look, fearing the “what ifs.” But let me tell you, the key to a successful presentation boils down to just two things:

1.      A clear message

2.     Audience connection

If you nail these two, everything else is just gravy.

The Power of a Clear Message

The primary reason people listen to you is because you have something they need—whether that’s information, inspiration, or a new perspective. But if your message is muddled or unclear, it won’t land.

Keep it simple. Hone in on one core idea. If you can’t explain your message in a single sentence, you probably don’t have a clear enough grasp on it. Once you’ve identified that big idea, refine it. Use short, impactful sentences that are easy for the ear to follow.

Remember, your message isn’t meant for the eye. It’s meant for the ear. A message may read brilliantly on paper, but when delivered aloud, it can easily lose its power if it’s too complex. So, speak in everyday language. Keep it conversational. People will connect with what you're saying because it feels accessible and real.

Building an Authentic Connection with Your Audience

Once your message is clear, focus on how it lands with your audience. This is where true connection happens. Valuable content is just the starting point; you need to get your listeners out of their heads and into their hearts.

So, how do you build that connection? Start by telling stories—personal anecdotes, industry-related examples, metaphors, and even humor. Stories help the audience see themselves in your message and make the content memorable.

Make eye contact. Master the pause. Silence can be a powerful tool—give your audience time to feel your words, not just hear them. Engage them directly by using their names, asking them to participate with a show of hands, or encouraging them to nod in agreement. People respond when they feel like they’re part of the experience.

Above all, remember that your audience connects with you because they like you and trust you. Let them see your humanity—share your struggles and your successes—but don’t make the presentation all about you. Shift the focus to them. Make your message their journey.

Just like my friend, who was initially overwhelmed by the thought of caring for her newborn, the simple, straightforward approach to presenting will give you the confidence you need to shine. When you remember the two-step strategy—clarity in your message and connection with your audience—you’ll be poised to give a presentation that leaves a lasting impact.

So, next time you step up to speak, take a deep breath and focus on those two pillars. The rest will come naturally. With a clear message and a strong connection, you’ll deliver a knockout presentation every time.