The reason we give speeches, presentations, reports at meetings, sales talks and every other type of public speaking performance, is to influence our listeners. We should always be treating our audiences to a feast: a delectable banquet that nourishes and sustains them. Knowing that we can make such a difference in people’s lives should not only give us confidence — it should make us eager to roll up our sleeves and begin!

Following are four key ingredients — given here as actions on your part — that are essential to achieving influence as a speaker. You should therefore include them in every one of your presentations:

1. Establish your credibility. If you don’t have credibility in an audience’s mind, you’ll never get listeners to think, feel, or do what you want them to as a result of your speech.

“Why in the world should I listen to this person?” is the ever-present question in the audience member’s mind. It’s up to you to supply the answer. And fast — during the first 60 seconds or so of your talk.

Tell them why they should listen to you — and I mean literally tell them. What is your experience to speak on this topic? Your job title? How long have you been working in this field or researching its mysteries?

Unless you’re already famous, you have to start building your credibility from the first word out of your mouth. Being credible is what makes you worth listening to and believing!

2. Be honest. Sound obvious? Actually, when we lack confidence in ourselves as speakers, we often try to be something we’re not. We wear a mask. Or we slip on invisible armor to protect ourselves from these strangers who surely want to do us harm. Worst of all, we try to be “as good as” someone who’s a successful speaker.

But none of these solutions ever works, for a simple and inescapable reason: Listeners only pay attention when a speaker is being honest with them. Each of us is unique in the universe — and therefore interesting. It’s as unproductive to try to hide from an audience as it is to sound like someone we’re not. To be influential as a speaker, show your listeners your true self.

3. Connect with your audience. Always remember that when you speak, you are there for the audience’s benefit, not your own. Therefore, you need to find ways to put yourself in their shoes, so you can understand and meet their needs.

If possible, greet some of your audience members before your presentation. When you speak, continually look your listeners in the eyes. Some presenters are so nervous that they look over the heads of their audience members. But isn’t it easier to speak to other people than to the back wall of a conference room or auditorium?

Equally important: watch your listeners’ reactions. That way, you can adjust your style if need be so you’ll be connecting with them continuously.

4. Think in terms of action. Most of us make a pair of mistakes when we give a presentation: (1) We wrap our content around us like a safety blanket, and (2) We keep stepping out of our talking points to wonder in our own minds how we’re doing as a presenter.

Although a natural reaction, this works strongly against what we want to happen when we speak: to effect a positive change in our listeners (not ourselves!). We should be paying attention to the audience at all times, rather than the content or our own performance. After all, you should know your topic and who you are pretty well. Aim your attention like an arrow to the audience’s needs and your desire to hit that target perfectly.

What do you want your audience to do as a result of this presentation? Exactly how do you plan to change people’s lives? These are the questions that should be uppermost as you prepare and executive a speech or presentation.

Thinking that way will give your effort real drive and relevance. It should also remind you of how much your speech really matters.

A rewarding repast for those on both sides of the podium, wouldn’t you say?

(This article originally appeared in Dr. Gary Genard’s book How to Give a Speech, which is available at http://www.publicspeakinginternational.com/how-to-give-a-speech.html.)