Diane Parente discussed Visual Presence for Speakers in our last blog post. She emphasized that clothing and appearance is vital for leaders to create a positive first impression on stage to maximize the opportunity to be heard. I agree.
When you are on stage, both how you look and what you say—or don’t say—influences the level of engagement of your audience.
When I coach someone on verbal presence and presentation, I address a myriad of issues that I believe influence how you are heard, and whether your audience will actually pay attention to what you say. Of course, everyone’s personal communication style is different and needs to be respected. However, the bottom line is always about engagement.
Regardless of what pearls of wisdom you might be delivering, if you are not engaged, people won’t listen. Or, if they listen (perhaps they have to) they will not think that what you are saying is authentic. Here are some starter principles that might prove valuable to you in developing your role as a leader on stage.
Engage with your audience immediately
Yes, all coaches talk about making eye contact in order to engage with people in the audience. Good to do; I agree. However, such advice is usually directed at the actual delivery of the speech. What about the few seconds before the speech begins?
Speakers need to create a positive impression the moment they set foot on stage. As Diane has indicated how you look is the first visual impression. But then, have you ever noticed times when a speaker zeros in on getting quickly to that podium, walking with a stiff gait, eyes fixed on the “landing place.” Such behavior is rooted in nervousness, either from feeling insecure about the content and delivery of information or simply from the common fear of speaking before a large group. I have done it myself. I am guessing you have observed it—or done it yourself.
Engage with your audience consistently
As difficult as it may be, loosen your stride and visually peruse the audience in a relaxed manner as you enter. This is where your speech begins, not when you reach the podium. Make eye contact the minute you they can see you, smile if appropriate. Start with the person who has introduced you. And don’t stare! There is something mechanical about being trained to “make eye contact.” The same is true when a speaker is expressionless and intense, then suddenly initiates eye contact when the presentation begins.
Always begin by thanking those who have introduced and invited you to speak. Gratitude creates a positive connection plus you will find there is something that happens for you when you hear yourself saying a thank you. It reminds you that you are fortunate to be asked to speak. Relate to your audience with a brief story on your common ground and with something personal about yourself. This builds trust. It becomes much easier to consistently maintain eye contact through the delivery of your content when you have set a positive tone, and made a positive connection.
Use Power Point for emphasis only
Have you ever been to a presentation where a speaker has literally copied his/her notes and transferred them to a Power Point slide? Usually they are difficult, or even impossible to read. In addition, it takes the focus away from you as a speaker, and redirects the energy to deciphering the slide. The audience will actually miss the strongest points of your presentation when they are distracted by the clutter, and are not engaged with you or your message. It is not possible to read and listen at the same time.
Use Power Point to emphasize important points or to highlight headings. People come to hear you. They could read your paper over a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Offer the notes to those who want them. Speak to the points as they appear on the screen.
Be sure you are heard
What is worse than dense Power Point slides is a speaker who reads every word of the presentation—and then does it with head down. The audience does not want to look at the part in your hair! And even with a good audio system, often what you are saying gets lost.
In addition, be conscious of not dropping your voice at the end of sentences. Sustain the energy of the sentence or phrase through the entire sentence. Often the last few words communicate the most important point.
Try to work from an outline. You probably know your material better than you think you do, so don’t use notes as a crutch. After all, you were invited to speak because of your expertise. Keep the engagement going by focusing outward, towards the audience.
Do a Q&A
A Q&A at the end of your presentation is the best way to conclude since you are now engaging on a one-to-one basis. Answer the question concisely—and what an excellent time to make eye contact. People remember that!
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