I believe that a product or service is best served by speaking with one’s audience rather than speaking to or at that audience. The former suggests conversation; the latter connotes superiority. The first allows for dialogue. The second results in alienation at best and hurt feelings at worst.
Perhaps it’s a little silly to obsess over prepositions, but they make a difference. I have been in the audience of both one who speaks with me and one who speaks at me. The first instance made me feel as though I belonged even if I wasn’t the smartest person in the audience. The second only made me feel unintelligent, unworthy, and unappreciated. It’s those thoughts and feelings that led to the recording of my latest video.
What do you think? Is is better to speak with or at an audience?
Erin Feldman
Erin Feldman is the founder of Write Right. She's a copywriter, editor, poet, and artist. She helps people tell their stories. You can find Erin on Google+.
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