Respecting your audience is extremely important. Why? When presenting material that is highly controversial, differences in ethnic cultures or politically motivated, you do not want to detract from your message.

Ask yourself why am I giving this presentation? To inform or persuade? How would you ever effectively do that if you offend your audience. If you start out by pointing out flaws in a persons belief system, there is almost no way to get your main point across without an extra “critical eye” watching you.

Starting with that way you dress is a good way to show respect. Depending on your audience and the region of the country or world your speaking in, your dress should vary. I personally like to wear a suit and tie, nothing flashy, but appropriate. My hands out of pockets and i never wear a hat. Although, I not saying that would not be good to wear in certain circumstances.

Make proper acknowledgments. If there is an influential person in the room, a religious leader or a person in charge be sure to mention that person. I have ask there permission to do so in the past. A word of caution, you are not there to ignore anyone either. Look people in the eye as you speak, unless the group is large I recommend that you look at people in pockets of 3 to 5 people, so no one feels left out.

Steer away from harshly criticizing a group or a chastising an individual in the group. I once attending a company wide meeting where the speaker (the boss) came down hard on an employee in a speech. Not only did it make a her feel horrible, it brought the crowd down. The positive parts of the presentations were completely lost.

Your audience will know when you are respecting them. In turn, your audience will respect you.