There are a variety of statements or ‘turns of phrase’ that business presenters use regularly. Some of them wreck your rapport and others are actually a ‘turn-off’. Something that I recommend you don’t say is: “For those of you who don’t know me.”
Why SHOULDN’T you say, “for those of you who don’t know me?”
This combination of words is exclusive in nature. What about the people who DO know you? You’ll alienate everyone who does know you (on an unconscious level) when you say it like that.
What can you say instead?
I suggest you replace these words with something like:
“I have met some of you before and I look forward to getting to know everyone here today. My name is Michelle Bowden”. Or, how about simply, “My name is…” and never mind who does and doesn’t know you. Or you could try, “It’s wonderful to see you all here today. I’m Michelle …”
As an extra tip, remember this NEVER goes at the VERY start, always introduce yourself AFTER you’ve built rapport and motivated your audience to listen.
Let me know if you need further help to better manage some of these annoying habits.
Happy presenting!
© Michelle Bowden 2020. Michelle Bowden is an authority on presentation & persuasion in business. Michelle is a CSP (the highest designation for speakers in the world), co-creator of the PRSI (a world-first psychometric indicator that tests your persuasiveness at work), best-selling internationally published author (Wiley), and a regular commentator in print, radio and online media. www.michellebowden.com.au