How to add sparkle to your speech making
It's easy to spot a dull speaker - just count the number of nodding heads in the audience. You can add a little sizzle to your presentations by learning to deliver a palatable blend of facts, figures, philosophy, humour, and the unexpected. The result can be rewarding - happy audiences, rapt attention, and more support for your cause. Pep up your next presentation by considering this advice...
1. Use appropriate attention-grabbers.
Handouts, audiovisual aids, props, yarns, facts and figures, questions, show-of-hands, anecdotes, humour and demonstrations - all are capable of complementing your speech and of holding the attention of your audience. And all of those techniques are essential if you adhere to this basic principle for success: show them, don't tell them. If you illustrate your points with examples, demonstrations, or analogies that are visual or oral, you'll keep them interested.
2. Involve the audience.
Involvement keeps people from nodding off. Try asking questions and for a show of hands. Work in some role-play. Keep the audience active. Remember, you're up there to speak; they're out there to listen. If they finish before you do, you're in trouble.
3. Use props.
Anything your audience can see makes you and your message more memorable. Try using props - a football jersey (when talking about teamwork), an account book (when discussing spending), a large toy animal, and so on. But use props only if you feel comfortable in doing so, if they are compatible with your speaking style, and only if they are appropriate to your topic.
