In the realm of public speaking, real influence begins when you truly see your audience. The indigenous greeting I see you, associated with Zulu and Mayan cultures, among others, holds wisdom for modern speakers. The practice of acknowledging and honoring your audience can turn a good speech into a STAR (Something They Will Always Remember) moment.
The spoken phrase I see you is deeply meaningful, often implying recognition of the other person’s dignity, and humanity. “Sawubona” is a beautiful and culturally rich greeting in Zulu, one of the 11 official languages of South Africa. The tradition comes from Ubuntu, an African philosophy that emphasizes communal relationships and shared values. It’s often responded to with “Ngikhona,“ meaning “I am here” — which implies: Only when you see me do I exist. Together, they create a moment of mutual recognition and connection. It’s about being fully present with others emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
In the Mayan tradition, “In Lak’ech”(“I am you”) paired with the response “Hala Ken” (“You are me”) implies that we are reflections of each other. It aligns with the Mayan worldview of interconnectedness, reciprocity, and compassion. The Mayan civilization, which spanned southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras, and El Salvador, was one of the most advanced in the Americas.
Both the Zulu and Mayan greetings echo ideas found in other ancient philosophies, such as the Māori of New Zealand and Native Peoples like the Lakota. As well, the phrase, “Namaste,” typically said after a yoga class, comes from Sanskrit commonly used across South Asia. It means “I bow to you,” or put another way, I see and honor the light in you, which is also in me.
These simple phrases represent a profound acknowledgement of the interconnection of speaker and listener: I recognize your presence. I honor your existence. I value your attention. When applied to public speaking, this mindset can transform a presentation into a genuine, trust-filled, and impactful experience. One of the most powerful messages you can send to an audience is I see you.
Connection begins with recognition
When you mentally hold the idea of I see you, you speak to the audience, not at them. This shift in energy is subtle but palpable. The audience can feel when you’re genuinely present and notice them as individuals rather than a faceless crowd. Think about the difference between a speaker who scans over heads with a memorized monologue, and one who pauses, makes eye contact, and speaks with sincere interest. The latter says with every gesture: You matter. I’m here with you, not just in front of you. That’s where trust begins. Trust is born not just from polished delivery, but from presence.
Seeing builds safety
When people feel seen, they feel safe. In a world where many feel invisible—at work, in their communities, even in their families, the experience of being acknowledged is rare and profound. A speaker who conveys I see you gives their audience a gift: psychological safety.
This is crucial, especially when delivering content that challenges, teaches, or invites vulnerability. Whether you’re giving a TED-style talk, leading a workshop, or presenting in a boardroom, if your audience senses you respect them and understand their point of view, they’ll be more open to your message.
How to say I see you without words
You don’t need to literally say, I see you (though you could!). The message is delivered through presence and attention. Here are a few ways to convey the sentiment effectively:
- Eye contact – Not in a robotic sweep, but by truly looking at people, even briefly, with warmth and intention.
- Listening – In interactive formats, respond thoughtfully to questions or reactions. Don’t just wait to talk—listen to comprehend.
- Tailoring your message – Know who your audience is. Speak to their experiences, their pain points, their hopes. This shows you’ve made the effort to see them even before you step on stage.
- Body language – Be open. Smile when appropriate. Nod. Use gestures that invite rather than distance.
- Authenticity – Speak from the heart. When you’re real, people feel safe being real, too.
Trust turns passive listeners into engaged participants
When people trust you as a speaker and source of valuable insights, they stop being passive consumers of information and start engaging mentally and emotionally. They laugh with you, think with you, reflect, and sometimes even cry. That’s when transformation happens—not just transactional communication.
Audiences remember how you made them feel far more than what you said. If you can make them, feel seen, you’ll not only earn their trust, you’ll earn their attention, their respect, and often, their loyalty.
See first, then speak
In a world overloaded with noise, being seen and heard is rare. As a speaker, you have the power to offer that gift. By approaching every talk with the intention of saying I see you, you go beyond performance. You build a human-to-human bridge. Trust flows from that bridge, and that is priceless.
