Quick tricks to make audiences love you
"I do."
These two little words are code for big bouquets, frilly white dresses and death-do-us-part devotion. (And the Holy Grail for every Hallmark movie ever.)
And when we're giving a presentation or pitch, "I do" is ALSO the phrase we're desperate to hear.
From audiences.
Clients.
Customers.
Basically, we're hungry for people who ADORE what we do (and all the ways we do it).
The big question is...how do we pop the question?
And how can it be easy?
The Two “P’s”
When we get on stage (or on camera) and share what we do, we want to get a response.
We're hoping to book that client, convert that customer, and convince audiences that we are AWESOME.
So, when we're giving a presentation, pitch or performance, I recommend people focus on two areas: Presence and Pacing.
Your Presence
Presence is how you show up physically, from your posture and gestures to eye contact.
Here are a few simple tweaks to help you show up like a champ:
Stand or sit tall: Shy folks are often tempted to avoid cameras and strangers. Force yourself to face cameras, audiences and clients face-on. You'll give the message that you're in CHARGE (and boost your own confidence at the same time). Relaxed, upright posture also signals confidence to audiences, who will react to you more positively.
Smile: You don’t need to smile while you’re speaking (especially if you're discussing a serious topic), but even a simple smile of greeting at the beginning and end of your talk will signal to the audience that you're welcoming them. Smile signal confidence and credibility for audiences.
Don’t forget eye contact: Eye contact establishes a connection, giving audience a signal to pay attention. Look at the camera for online presentations, and look at the audience in live events. Even a few glances will make a big difference.
Calm down and breathe: Nerves and fear will cause your body to stiffen up, and you’ll breathe more rapidly. Remember to calm down, and breathe a little more slowly. Breathing calmly will signal your nervous system to relax. Extra air will also help protect and relax your voice, and give you the air you need to get through your talk.
Next, focus on your "pacing".
Your Pacing
“Pacing” is everything related to your voice (like tone and volume to the speed of your speaking).
Try these tips to get your pacing on point:
Pause briefly before you begin: Use a quick moment of silence to gather your thoughts, and let the audience focus on you.
Start and finish strong: Studies show that audiences often only remember the beginning and end of any speech or presentation, so make sure that you deliver an engaging, concise message at the beginning of your talk.
Speak clearly: Deliver your message simply and concisely, and make sure that your presentation is easy to understand.
Slow down: Many nervous speakers try to rattle through their speech, but speaking too quickly will confuse your audience and force them to tune out. Make sure you're speaking a little more slowly, and stay calm.
Add variety: Don’t let your nerves drive your voice into a monotone. Speak naturally into the mic, and add a little inflection and “melody” (up and down cadences) to liven up your speech.
Don’t race the end: New speakers also often find their fears chasing them right to the finish line, and end up speaking too rapidly and running through sentences. When you race through a presentation, the audience gets bombarded with a never-ending monologue that never lets them process information. Result? They quickly tune out.
Use silence: When a speaker pauses, audiences instinctively listen more carefully and pay attention. If you’re giving a speech or presentation, add pauses between sections, so that the audience can mentally take a break and recognize new material.
It takes some work to use these techniques naturally, but each tip can make a big difference helping you connect with audiences.