How often have you heard that phrase in a speech opening? And here’s an even more pointed question: How does it affect members of the group being addressed? Briefly, my answers are: it’s too commonly used, and it tends to alienate members of the audience, albeit modestly. With that, here’s a useful tactic you can add to your public speaking tips collection.
Greet each person in the audience as an individual. Do not let the audience members think you see them as a gray, impersonal mass. “Hello everyone…” and “Thanks everyone…” and their variations depersonalize the audience.
The same is true, to some extent, of the phrase “Ladies and gentlemen” although its long history implies formalism rather than depersonalization. You’ll find this works well for comedians, because the formalization of the address (“Ladies and Gentlemen”) contrasts nicely with their subsequent remarks (often disrespectful remarks).
Take a look at individuals in the audience before you start, and remember each of them values his or her individuality. For illustration of the point, put the shoe on the other foot: Would you prefer that the speaker think of you as an individual, rather than an anonymous, interchangeable member of a faceless group?
If you say simply “Hello…” rather than “Hello everyone…” you’ve made it possible for each person in the audience to assume the greeting is meant for them personally. The same applies to “Thank you…” and other usages.
Whether you’re making an introduction speech or you are the featured speaker, never greet your audience as a group; always address it as a collection of individuals. Interestingly, audience members will get that sense of personalization, even when they’re part of a huge crowd. Consider the way a good speaker or entertainer can get audience responses; that speaker has connected on a personal level with hundreds or thousands in the audience.
Bottom line: In your speech opening, speak to your audience for what it is, a group of individuals who have the same yearning as you to be recognized as special individuals.
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