Have you ever wondered why a TED Talk gathers millions of views while your brilliant friend’s YouTube knowledge bomb gets a trickle? The secret weapon? Credibility. The key components that act as expertise credibility builders comprise rank, degree, training and experience.
Expertise Matters, people want to invest their time in speakers who can genuinely add value to their life or knowledge capital while speaking to them. Establishing your expertise on the topic allows you to become that trusted source.If you went to an Ivy league college, or are Vice President at a renowned multinational corporation, then your rank will naturally draw the audience’s attention, you have enough credibility for people to listen to you. But what if you’re just starting out? That’s where association credibility comes in.
This involves aligning yourself with established, credible figures or institutions.. Here’s how:
- Partnerships: Collaborate with established speakers on presentations or projects. This showcases your connection to their expertise.You might have a mentor who is a well-respected expert in your field, or you could have volunteered with a prestigious organization. Building credibility as a speaker is a powerful strategy.
A classic example in Hollywood is the newcomer acceptance speech. Imagine a rising star receiving an award for Best Newcomer. In their speech, they’ll likely thank the prestigious production company that took a chance on them and the renowned director who guided their performance. By acknowledging these established names, the newcomer subtly associates themselves with excellence, boosting their credibility in the audience’s eyes.
- Endorsements: Seek endorsements from respected figures in your field. Quotes or testimonials can enhance your audience’s perception of you.
- Evidence is King: Facts and figures alone aren’t enough when building your content. Cite reliable sources like research papers, reputable organizations, or expert opinions to back your claims. This demonstrates your knowledge base and aligns you with reliable information.
For eg: Instead of simply saying, “Women are dominating the college-educated workforce,” state: “A recent Pew Research Center report (February 2024) found that women now outnumber men in the U.S. college-educated workforce, comprising 51% of those aged 25 and over. This marks a significant shift and highlights the growing role of women in the labor market.“
The latter statement cites a well known research report backed by dates and percentage, which gives us a more detailed understanding of the content and the research the speaker has put into it. Will the latter statement give you more credibility? The answer is YES!
