by: Sandra Schrift
“Educate, Energize, Entertain, and provide an experience for your audience”
1. Use direct eye contact. You can focus on one person when making a point… and everyone else in the audience will think you are speaking to them, too.
2. Don’t just stand behind the lectern move around, gesture. Be animated. (Fifty-five percent of how people perceive you is by body language; 38 percent by your voice; 7 percent by your words.)
3. If you are telling a story, assume the posture of the character you are acting out. For example, if you are talking about babies then look like one and sound like one.
4. Humor helps. Humor especially if it is self-deprecating, often wins over an audience. Example: When president Kennedy was asked how he became a war hero, he responded, “It was involuntary. They sank my boat.”
5. When appropriate smile a lot. Be enthusiastic about what you are saying. Make it fun. Learning is directly proportional to the amount of fun your audience is having. Laughter is like internal jogging. Aren’t adults just grown up kids?
6. Use visual aids to increase audience retention of your message. But never become a master of ceremonies to your overheads. Toys create humor and playfulness.
7. Be creative. Include music, poetry, games, songs, dance, brainstorming, and role playing.
8. Dress appropriately. Always be a step above the audience. If it’s “business casual,” be a little dressier than casual. You are your best visual aid!
9. Have strong closing remarks that include a summary that reviews the main points. (People have short attention spans.) Or, make a statement or tell an anecdote. Call for action.
10. Start and stop on time. Be flexible and able to cut the talks short if asked. Be in control. Leave time for Q&A.
11. Use an evaluation form. This will provide you with feedback and confirm your value to the participant. Ask what they liked most and what they liked least about your presentation. Ask for referrals. You might ask the attendees who else they know who would benefit from your program.
12. Send a personalized thank-you note. Ask the program chair for a testimonial in writing.
13. Create “BOR” (back of the room) products. Sell your books, e-books, and booklet(s). Create audiotapes, videotapes, and CD-ROMs. Having products will catapult your speaking career and make you more valuable to your clients. This “passive” income is frosting on the cake.