Talking to your audience before a presentation

I believe we should do everything in our power to break down walls, build trust, and humanize ourselves to our audience.

So, if we have an opportunity to build that trust BEFORE a presentation even starts, let's do that!

Why not? It will put you and the audience at more ease -- and the result is that they'll be more inclined to listen and be engaged with your presentation. Why? Because that initial trust/connection is already there!