Recommendations for presenting to an expert audience

An expert audience is one that has advanced knowledge of the subject we intend to address. This type of audience is not always the most desired by speakers, since their characteristics tend to increase the level of demand of the presentation significantly. While it is true that working with an expert audience can be a challenging experience, we can also perceive certain advantages that play in our favor.

Among the advantages of working with this type of audience are the following:

• It allows us to focus on the development of the speech without having to address very basic elements.

• It opens the possibility of a more effective exchange with the audience.

• It generates greater interest from the audience in the topics to be discussed.

During the development of this session, we will be addressing some of the most important aspects that revolve around this issue. We will also offer a series of useful recommendations if you wish to work effectively with this type of audience.

Preparation is the most important thing: Never decide to present to an expert audience if you do not have a good command of the subject you will be talking about. The big difference between addressing a novice audience and an expert audience is that the former will in most cases not notice certain mistakes during the presentation, while the expert will. This adds a greater burden of responsibility if we want to take care of our credibility as a speaker. You have to rehearse and study enough, until you are sure that you fully master your speech and correctly understand each point that will be addressed in it.

If the event includes a round of questions in the moments close to the end of the presentation, try to anticipate which elements are most likely to raise concerns in the audience. Knowing these aspects, it will be easier for you to prepare for possible questions and show a higher level of confidence during your speech.

Show humility and gratitude: The fact of presenting to people who have a higher or similar level to ours, in the subject that we will address in the speech, is only a problem if we do not have the right mindset. You do not necessarily have to occupy the role of the most knowledgeable person in the room, you only come to contribute your experience and your perspective on the subject. When you come to an event with humility, your message is better received than when you assume an arrogant posture. Thank the audience for giving you the opportunity to exchange with them and come to your presentation, even when they are not a first-time audience.

During the introduction of the presentation, take a few minutes to recognize the value of creating spaces like this, where a group of people can discuss and encourage the study of this topic. Focus on how important it is that both you and the audience make an effort to socialize knowledge and put it in the hands of those who are inexperienced in this subject.

Add value: Adding value is the most effective and at the same time difficult way to present a quality speech to the audience. Any interesting topic that we can choose will have already been addressed on numerous occasions by other specialists. That is why we must try to add our own elements that provide a new look at the topic in question. You can bring statistics, data or analysis compiled by you, which will allow you to develop a speech that will surprise and be useful for those present.

Knowing that your audience is an expert, avoid dealing with topics that are too basic or that have been addressed by others on numerous occasions. Take time to select what content to include in your presentation and how you can make it useful to the audience.