As a public speaker, there are four basic principles which you can develop to make yourself a much more engaging presenter, one which an audience will come back to see again and again. Some of the most knowledgeable experts in their field can be as boring and uninteresting as the imagination can conceive. Take these four suggestions to create for yourself a dynamic delivery method which will still be you but allows you to be attractive in a professional manner that sheer knowledge of a topic can never achieve.
Look Natural
First of all, it is important to show the audience that you are a real person. Relate to them through real life stories and convey your important points through scenarios that they can envision. This requires that you adapt your message to your audience, depending on their age range, ethnic background, economic status, and/or level of knowledge of what you are speaking about. Although you will feel nervous in front of strangers, avoid looking stiff since this will make you look uncomfortable and lacking confidence. But the opposite is equally worth noting: try not to be too theatrical or animated in your delivery since this conveys a sense of insincerity and makes you look shallow and superficial. It can also be interpreted as a lack of expertise in what you are speaking about, as they may sense that all your theatrics are there to cover up that you really do not know that much about the topic.
Use Emphasis
While you speak, it is critical that you emphasize your major points through a number of methods. Your facial expressions convey a great deal about how you feel about your topic. Look enthusiastic, smile, or be serious when the points require it. As you speak, pause at appropriate times to allow the audience to process what you have just said. Allow them to ponder your argument for a few seconds and then continue. The use of emphasis on certain words or phrases will highlight their importance and help the audience remember them. This is especially true if you are attempting to convince your audience or sell them on an idea, product or service. As you emphasize the important aspects of what you are selling, the listener will better remember those later. Sudden changes to your voice volume and tone will draw attention to that point in your presentation and while doing so make sure that whatever type of emphasis you use, be clear that it will support your message and not contradict the point you are trying to make.
Be Appropriate
Now you might think that this principle refers to the type of language you use or how and when you might inject some humour. As it is always appropriate to avoid ethnic based stories or off-colour humour, being appropriate should be much more general than that. It is important that you appear confident in what you are speaking about. But never let that confidence stray into the realm of arrogance. Be careful with the tone of your voice and never talk down to your listeners. This will exclude your audience from engaging with you and leave them disinterested. Any questions posed to you will, in all likelihood, be confrontational and challenging. You will lose both their attention and respect using this approach. As mentioned earlier, consider the make up of your audience for age, education level, and prior knowledge of your topic. If there are special disabilities present, take those into account and be sensitive to them. This can also be an issue depending on the physical setting for the presentation or the occasion for it. If you are required to use a sound system with a microphone, make sure the volume level is appropriate for all to hear.
Establish Rapport
Each of the previous three points all help to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. This is known as rapport. Establishing rapport by definition is the development of a relationship between persons, especially one based on mutual trust or emotional affinity and in public speaking, this almost entirely results from your delivery. Creating a friendly and comfortable atmosphere develops and maintains a positive relationship between you and your listener. Such a mutual respect can even overshadow weak spots in your message as the audience will be much more forgiving than if you present yourself in an arrogant, overbearing manner. It is vitally important to appear friendly and approachable and in doing so you will find your public speaking opportunities will become increasingly more rewarding.