Speaking Success: Five Tips to Help You Really Reach Your Audience

By Rosemary McDowell and Katherine Gotthardt

At some point in your career, you will probably have to give a talk – not just a presentation, but a real talk, one that moves the audience to act. And if you’re like most people, you’d rather have your adenoids removed. But there are ways to make your talk a success and minimize your discomfort at the same time. Here are five tips to help you stimulate and motivate your listeners.

1. Be yourself, not someone else (even if that someone else is awesome). The speaking industry is abundant with effective speakers. It’s tempting to find one you like and try to emulate him or her. But, while it’s helpful to have examples of good speakers and even better to have mentors, you need to find your own way if you want to come across as authentic. Listeners will know if you’re putting on a façade, which is a major turnoff.

2. Find a way to connect with the audience. Who is your audience, and what are they looking for? Even a general audience comes to a talk for particular reasons. Perhaps they are looking for information. Perhaps they are looking to learn something specific from you. Or perhaps they just want a lift. You are their connection to what they want. The way to give it to them is to find out what that is and strategize, preferably before the talk.

3. Tell a story in your own way. Telling a story helps you present your authentic self as you give your audience what they want. Stories captivate if they resonate. So make your stories human. Intertwine anecdotes of experiences that emotionally bond the audience to you and further your main ideas.

4. Present the main points clearly. There is nothing worse than a convoluted presentation. Even an audience made up of professionals in complex fields will appreciate an organized talk, one in which the order of ideas and ideas themselves are offered in a logical, easily understood manner. This does not mean you have to “dumb down” your talk. It does mean you have to adapt it, however. Use an outline. And be sure to pack a punch at the start and finish of your talk, since that’s what people will most likely remember.

5. Utilize the power of voice. Voice not only represents the authentic you, it represents you as a professional speaker. Vary your tone. Use inflection. Punctuate with body language. This will require some practice – you want to sound natural, but you also want the audience to experience the full you, and that includes customizing the vocal qualities of your speech.

Some of the greatest speakers can be found online. TED talks are particularly popular right now. Check out a few of their speakers and see which ones you find effective. Then analyze the speaker, matching each tip to their speech. Remember, it’s not about becoming that speaker. It’s about learning to speak successfully yourself.

Rosemary McDowell is a successful entrepreneur and business strategist with over 25 years’ experience in government and industry. Learn more at www.rosemarymcdowell.com.

Katherine Gotthardt is a writer, editor and published author. She is CEO of All Things Writing, LLC.