It's easier than you think to be a powerful speaker.
Speaking powerfully matters greatly, of course, in the professional world. Even though you may possess great expertise, you'll be judged on your speaking skills if in fact you're involved in public speaking.
That's to say, in your audience's mind the message and you will be the same! That's good news--otherwise you could just stay home and email your presentation to everyone.
It's helpful, therefore, to think of yourself as a performer as well as a communicator. That's the person who has thought carefully about how to be a dynamic speaker; and of course, that's the person audiences will most enjoy listening to.
Below are three specific areas of "performing" as a speaker that you should also keep in mind:
1. Your Competence. It's not enough to be an expert--you have to let listeners know about that expertise. If audiences understand your level of knowledge and experience, they will simply trust you more. If you trust in your ability to get your passion across to others, it will in fact come across! Every one of us is at his or her best when we talk about something that matters to us deeply. But audiences can't figure that out through osmosis. They need you to tell them, in effect, that you're worth listening to.
2. Establishing Rapport. Let audiences know that you share their values. People tend not to warm up to speakers who they think are vastly different from themselves. When you can, let your audiences know that you share common experiences or values with them.
3. Delivery Skills. Every audience will be judging you--whether you like it or not, and whether they know they're doing it or not. They will have preconceptions, which you will reinforce or contradict by how you look, sound, and behave. It just makes sense, then, that you demonstrate that your skill in speaking to others equals your knowledge and value system. When you speak dynamically, it's much easier for any audience to think of you as a powerful speaker. That's a simple concept, but it's absolutely true.
Audiences, then, are looking for a speaker who is credible, confident, and committed. Combine those qualities with an an energetic delivery, and you’ll be well on your way to gaining a reputation as a powerful speaker.
