The Underrated Power of Small Audiences in Public Speaking

The Underrated Power of Small Audiences in Public Speaking

 

When you think of public speaking, you likely picture someone addressing a packed stadium, right?

But that’s not always the case.

 

For many speakers, their audience is much smaller.

Whether it’s a workshop, conference, or an intimate event, small audiences are quite common.

 

Despite this, small audiences don’t get as much love or attention.

However, if you think about it, small audiences have been a part of public speaking for a long time.

 

Back in the day, even big artists often performed for small audiences.

If you wanted to see Frank Sinatra, you’d want to see him up close and personal, right?

You wouldn’t want to just see a distant dot or a version of him on a giant screen.

 

Frank Sinatra would often perform in intimate settings where the audience could truly connect with him.

Public speakers can do the same.

 

The Coffee House Event

 

A few years ago, one of my friends gave a speech at a coffee house.

This particular coffee house catered to entrepreneurs.

It was a space where entrepreneurs gathered to share ideas, and every week, they’d have a guest speaker.

 

For this event, my friend invited a small group of people.

While the audience was small, the event felt big because the coffee house wasn’t very large.

The energy in the room was incredible!

 

My friend delivered his speech, and the audience was engaged.

They laughed on cue, asked intriguing questions, and were fully invested.

 

The vibe was contagious.

 

After attending that event, I realized I wanted to speak at a coffee house too.

I wanted to experience what it felt like to address a small audience.

 

Benefits of Speaking to a Small Audience

 

One of the key benefits of speaking to a small audience is that it helps you warm up as a speaker.

I have a philosophy:

  • If you can speak to five people, you can speak to 500.

 

The principles of public speaking remain the same regardless of audience size.

Another benefit is the opportunity to work on crowd control.

If you can energize and engage a small group, imagine what you can do with a larger audience!

 

Small audiences are also easier to organize.

Hosting an event for 15 people is far simpler than managing one for 150.

Small events allow you to focus on quality over quantity, and they often feel more personal.

 

Plus, small audiences can serve as a foundation for building larger ones.

For example, some of the people I met at that coffee house event later joined a business networking group I was a part of.

That group already had around 50 members, so the audience grew naturally.

 

A strong, small core makes it easier to expand.

 

What Counts as a Small Audience?

 

So far, I’ve been using the term “small audience” without defining it.

Honestly, there’s no fixed number.

If you want a number, I’d say 20 or fewer people, but it really depends on the context.

 

For instance, when J. Cole came to my school to perform years ago, only about 75 people showed up.

For an upcoming rapper at the time, that was a small audience.

However, for a new public speaker, 75 people could be considered a sizable crowd.

 

It’s less about the numbers and more about the setting and dynamics.

If most people in the audience know each other or there’s a lot of empty space, it might feel like a small event.

 

Tips for Hosting a Small Audience Event

 

1. Choose the Right Venue
The venue plays a huge role in how your event is perceived. A small audience in a large space can make the event look empty, while the same group in a cozy venue can make it feel lively and packed.

For example, the coffee house I attended made the event feel bigger because the space couldn’t fit everyone comfortably. Some people had to stand, which added to the energy of the event.

2. Frame It Positively
Refer to the audience as “family” or “loyal supporters.” Framing matters. When you present the group as intimate and special, the attendees feel valued.

3. Capture the Moment
Take pictures and videos. Smaller events allow for more interactive moments, like Q&A sessions, that can result in candid, engaging content for your social media or portfolio.

 

Don’t Underestimate Small Audiences

 

Small audiences are making a comeback.

They’re easy to organize, help sharpen your public speaking skills and allow your audience to truly digest your message.

Plus, the personal connection they foster is unmatched.

 

In a small audience, people can see you clearly and feel like they’re part of the experience.

Not just watching a distant figure on stage.

 

For more insights into public speaking, check out the Speaking Wizard eBook

– ArmaniTalks 🎙️🔥

 

 

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