There are two alternatives when connecting with an audience.
In writing, we’re told to write to an audience. To know your audience and create an experience for an audience. The focus is on writing for others.
It’s daunting to imagine an audience of people who don’t get your values, beliefs, and opinions.
To imagine a crowd that might criticize you. One where you’re the only one like you, and you don’t belong.
This is what you might assume when you start writing.
You then over-explain yourself to an audience you imagine doesn’t get it.
You feel like you have to prove the validity of the points you’re initiating, the connections you’re making.
This is exhausting, frustrating, and demeaning.
You question how it’s coming across and change what you have to say to make it more appealing and appropriate.
Here are two alternatives when connecting with an audience:
1. Imagine that you are writing to an audience who does get what you’re wanting to say and want to hear from you.
Instead of writing to someone to who will immediately attempt to discredit or ridicule you, what if you could write directly to someone who knows and shares your lingo?
There is power and ease in writing to a specific population, releasing the need to try to make everyone happy.
You might choose to write to someone like you, but a few steps behind. Since this unnamed person is on a similar path, you have wisdom to share naturally from having had an experience before this person. You might find tender compassion for this person. You know the territory well. There is so much you can impart to make something challenging you’ve experienced easier for the next generation.
2. What if instead of writing for an unseen and unknown crowd, you are writing for your inner child – the past version of you that needs what you’re writing the most?
What if a book you write for yourself is the best gift you can give your audience?
Not a book from your ego-self, the part of you that wants to be seen as “wise” and “talented” and “cool.” This part seeks external cues to feel okay. When this part sees approval and validation, it can relax.
The book of your heart. A book filled with places that light you up from the inside out.
This might be a book about a topic you know really well and haven’t met anyone else who enjoys it. Or enjoys it enough to listen to you monologue an entire essay about it.
The magic about writing is that it is communication. You don’t have to communicate with the people who don’t get it, don’t care, aren’t interested. You get to choose an audience. You have the option to stay open to, and call in, the audience who wants and needs to hear your voice.
One example is to start a blog about something you’re passionate about. Perhaps you’re a pioneer of a new hobby. Or you’ve got a slightly different spin on something familiar.
All you need is the intention to connect with others with similar interests. There are billions of people in the world, and while it may feel this way, you are not alone.
About the author
I help people reconnect to themselves and tell stories that make their soul sing.
I am a certified coach, writing mentor, writer, and group facilitator who enjoys helping people who’ve felt different to write from the heart.
Since 2008, I’ve worked with writers in every messy step of the creation process. I’m passionate about delving deep into the story underneath the story — the root cause of the struggle with self-expression — so you can feel good about the results.
For more, I invite you to sign up for my mailing list or explore how we can work together.