The Art of Public Speaking- Speak with Power and Authority
I have seen many people over time speak from the stage and yet lack the essence and stage presence in order to make a powerful speech that will impact people. As a trainer and speaker who has spoken to thousands of individuals, allow me to share certain concepts that will make you a very Desirable and Effective Speaker. Whether you are doing a small presentation or a huge one, the principles are the same.
1. Know the WIIFM
Do you know what is the greatest FM station in the entire world? Its WII FM station. It basically stands for “What’s In It For Me”. Most presenters start by sharing a joke or telling a story, while this is good, it does not usually get the buy-in from the audience right from the beginning. Speakers should try immediately start by addressing why the audience should listen to them (WIIFM). It can come in the form of presenting a problem and making it clear that it is a BIG problem. Once the audience agrees with you and find that they need the solution, they will know that they have to listen to you.
2. Create Empathy by Sight
Most speakers do not maintain enough eye contact with their audience. They speak to audiences, but do not take time to scan the audience when they are talking. Scanning is very important as it helps the audience know that you acknowledge their presence. A simple technique that I teach my participants is to pick three persons in the audience; one on the extreme left of the audience, centre and the extreme right. When you talk, slowly move your head from left to right, pausing for three seconds before you move to the next target person. Look out for the eyes of each person. When a person knows you are looking at him/her, they get attentive and listen closely to what you have to say.
3. Involve Participants In Actions
The more kinestatic you make your audience, they more they will enjoy it! Being kinestatic means that they are able to move their hands or legs, echo back what you have said, sharing what they have learnt with each other or patting each other on the back! These actions are important in creating energy in the room and you should us them throughout your entire program. They keep the energy level high and want to learn more.
4. Be Clear
One of the fastest way to lose an audience is to speak softly. It is important to know that audiences do want you to succeed. So, it is important to loose the inhabitations and articulate every word clearly. Test out how loud your speech is by asking the last person behind if they can hear you and give them permission to signal you if your volume of your voice were to dip.
Follow these principles on the stage or presentations and people will follow you. Start by making a Deep Impact today!
PS: I could be holding a seminar on “Training People to Speak from the Stage and earn Tons of Money Sharing Your knowledge”. Would that interest you? Email me at coach(a)deepimpactonline(dot)com if you are keen.
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Tagged with: presentation • public speaking • speaker • speech • trainer
Filed under: Public Speaking & Presentations
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Hi Kenneth,
A superb way of introducing WIIFM, I loved it!
Just want to add something: The speaker has to “earn the right” (ETR). The question in the audience mind – Why should I listen to you??
I normally start off the ETR after the WIIFM after asking their permission. ” Now that we are gonna spent the xxx hrs together, can I share something about myself?” Though ETR should be short, it has to encompass the value you bring, experience, etc with specifics.
What do I mean by specifics: 1.”I have xx experience in xxx.”(So…?)
2. “I have spoken to over 500 people over the last 3 months and 80% of them have signed on.”(Wow!)
At the appropriate timing, it would be good to share your story with them. Just like the “Tony Robbins” who shares the story of his own growth, it may be good to share your story (depicting the usefulness of what you are presenting to them). Some of my audiences have told me that sharing of my story with them made them feel that they too can do what I did, and they became more interested in the session.
Best regards
Ken
Hey dude…How much does ur course cost? And what are covered?
A good one Kenneth…as a trainer myself, will use these tips during my training.
Btw, as a speaker or whatever we call it, our job is not only to impart knowledge but also to entertain our audiences with facts..just a thought
CHeers
Hi Chris,
Will keep you updated when the course is out later in the 2nd quarter.
Hi Kennedy,
I am glad that you have learnt so much last year! Application is the key to learning as well. It forces us to concrete what we have learnt and put in it a useable format. I’m rooting for your success as well!
Kenneth,
Thx for the tips. Very useful indeed. Keep it coming.
Jessie
Woow, this is great post very informative, keep up the good job man, bookmark this!