Top Strategies for Engaging Audiences as a Speaker

Top Strategies for Engaging Audiences as a Speaker

If you are a public speaker there is nothing worse than an audience that seems disengaged. In such instances, it may be tempting to blame the crowd, but the lacklustre response is more likely because something about your delivery is just not clicking with them. And if that’s the case then you might as well be talking to the wall. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your delivery and in this post, we’re going to cover the top strategies for engaging audiences as a speaker.

Top Tips That Will Help You Engage Your Audience

The following are proven techniques that will help ensure your next audience is fully engaged with your presentation.

Nail the opening

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. If the opening of your talk is flat you’ll lose the audience before you can say “Let’s try that again…”. It’s crucial to start your talk with a strong hook – something that will grab their attention and make them want to hear more. Startling, little-known statistics are a popular choice. They’re easy to understand and they beg for elaboration.

Know your audience

If you want engagement you can’t give the same stump speech to every audience. You need to take some time and consider who you’ll be speaking to on each occasion. The speech you give to a group of students will not go over well with an audience of business professionals. Do yourself a favour and learn something about the group you’ll be speaking to and then tailor your talk accordingly.

Structure your talk like a story

Structuring your talk like a story will help increase the odds of audience engagement. To be sure not every type of talk will lend itself to this technique but most will. Start with the strong opening we mentioned earlier then weave a narrative that illustrates the points you want to make, and bring everything to a logical and satisfying conclusion.

Use humour

If the topic allows for levity (some won’t) find a way to work in a few humorous anecdotes. Laughter relieves tension and helps forge a bond with the audience. Mind you, we’re not talking about turning your talk into a stand up comedy routine. But a few laughs sprinkled in here and there can really be the icing on the cake.

Relax

Easier said than done, we know. But audiences can sense fear and if they sense you’re nervous half of them will tune you out right at the start. Try to work out any stress before you go on through deep breathing and other techniques. When you do hit the stage don’t stand like a statue. Move around some and avoid speaking in a monotone.

Contact Bianca Miller

If you want to experience public speaking at its best and most engaging make sure you enlist Bianca Miller for your next event. Bianca is one of the most sought-after speakers in the UK. And once you hear and experience one of her talks you will understand why.