| Tip 1: The Audience. It is all about the audience. | | | | experience. Don't speak on subjects you have |
| Determine in advance as much information as | | | | simply researched on the internet. The difference |
| possible about the audience. You are there to | | | | is easy for the audience to detect - especially in |
| serve them - educate, motivate, inspire, call to | | | | the Q&A. |
| action. You are the content expert but not their | | | | Tip 6: Pause. Use pauses and silence. Give the |
| superior so put away your ego. Connecting with | | | | audience time to let a key point sink in. Slowly |
| the audience makes the difference between a | | | | count to three after you have made an important |
| good speaker and a great speaker. | | | | point. |
| Tip 2: Compelling opening. Professional speakers all | | | | Tip 7: Key Message. Don't try to tell the audience |
| have a favorite way to open a speech. Some use | | | | everything known to human kind in a one-hour |
| silence, others a story, a fact, a quote, or a | | | | talk. Two to three well-developed key points are |
| statistic. Select the way to open your speech that | | | | usually enough. Too much information can be |
| is most suited to your style and personality. The | | | | overwhelming. |
| important thing is the speech has a distinct | | | | Tip 8: Slides. If you use slides, don't read them to |
| opening that draws in the audience. | | | | the audience. Reading slides is not being a speaker. |
| Tip 3: Vocal variety and gestures. Words are | | | | You may just as well send them a handout. Have |
| important but are a small part of effective | | | | a key message point on each slide and then |
| communication. Variety in tone, tempo, and | | | | expand on the point in your own words. |
| meaningful gestures enhance the delivery of the | | | | Tip 9: Illustrations and examples. Audiences love |
| message. | | | | practical examples from your experience. A story |
| Tip 4: Focus on the Emotions. Inspire. Motivate. | | | | is a good way to communicate examples. Specific |
| Long after your speech, people will remember | | | | and relevant examples significantly enhance |
| how you made them feel. They may not | | | | learning. |
| remember what you said. Let the audience know | | | | Tip 10: Relax and enjoy. Be prepared, organized, |
| you are passionate about your message. | | | | and enjoy the experience. If you are enjoying |
| Tip 5: Topics. Speak only on topics where you are | | | | delivering the speech the audience will sense it and |
| passionate, knowledgeable, and have relevant | | | | be more open and at ease. |