Inspiring others is a powerful, persuasive and influential skill. The feeling that comes with being inspired can encourage people to push their boundaries and improve on progress towards their goals.
Inspiring and influencing others, however, starts with being a compelling communicator, particularly in front of an audience. All our communication is underpinned by the desire to communicate key messages. Being an inspiring communicator depends on your ability to engage your audience, articulately convey your message and remain confident in your delivery.
Many people find the thought of speaking to an audience terrifying, and as a result miss the opportunity to inspire and engage others.
Here are 5 simple steps that will dramatically improve your public speaking and get you in front of an audience:
Be yourself
People are more likely to engage with you if they believe in you. So be yourself, and concentrate on highlighting your character rather than taking on characteristics which aren’t natural. Speak clearly and enunciate your words so that your audience can follow you. Speaking more slowly than usual and with a lower pitch will encourage people to really listen to what you are saying.
Speak to your audience
Take the time to profile your audience, understand what matters to them and what they will find valuable. Once you have done this, build your content around their needs. You need to be confident with your content, and you need to feel confident that your audience will want to hear your content.
Tell your story
Be credible, people relate to real life experience and appreciate first-hand accounts. Build in personal experiences to your presentation as a tool to explain and provide more information on your key messages.
Find your flow
Start strong by grabbing the attention of your audience. Once you have their undivided attention remain on track by building your speech around 5 to 7 main points. Don’t over complicate your message and make eye contact with your crowd. Know your material then speak naturally to bullet points or visual prompts.
Use supporting material to support your main points, this might include photos, videos or a personal anecdote (see above!). Finish strong and leave the audience with a memorable ending, use humour if appropriate or find a meaningful statement to end with impact.
Make your nerves work with you, not against you
It’s natural to be nervous, it shows that you care and it shows that you are continuing to expand your comfort zone. People who say they don’t feel nervous are either lying or don’t care about their audience. Find ways to manage your nerves in a way that allows you to embrace that rush of adrenalin when the time comes and use it to your advantage.
Tips for keeping your nerves in check:
- Rehearse the full presentation the day before and memorise the first two minutes so you can start strong.
- Be comfortable, ensure you have had enough to eat and drink in advance. Have some water handy in case you need it while you are speaking
- Arrive early and prepared, bring a backup of any files and sufficient props (pens and paper) if you need them.
- Be positive and smile, this will spark positivity in others and help keep your inner monologue on positive thoughts only.
- Mingle with the audience before you start if you can and find a friendly face to focus on at the beginning.
“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.” – Roy T Bennet