How many of us secretly dream to speak eloquently and have the undivided attention of our audience?

The first piece of advice, I am going to give you is, ” Do not Speak”! I am sure you are wondering why I am contradicting my opening statement, so let me clarify- Stop speaking to Listen!! There is as much wisdom in listening as there is in speaking. Listen to what your audience wants to hear, listen for the opportune moment to make your point, listen to the energy of the listener and then start speaking.

– KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE KNOW YOUR DRESS

Being an Image Consultant, working with clients not only in Delhi NCR but pan India, I cannot stop stressing about the appropriate attire, the right fit, the right colors, and appealing to the values of your audience. It is the first step to your connection with the audience.

– PASSION & EXCITEMENT- Know your subject, let your passion show through the energy and excitement of speaking about it. If you yourself are not excited about your subject then why should others be? The passion in your voice demands to be heard.

– THE ART OF STORYTELLING- The child in us is always ready to hear a story. Make your story, precise, interesting, punctuated with the right emotion. Use voice modulation, control your pitch & tone, make the right pauses and watch the audience being enraptured, just like a child listening to a story.

– MIND YOUR LANGUAGE- Keep your language simple and easily understood by the majority of the audience. A simple narrative with only smatterings of jargon is always a winner. Do not try to prove your knowledge and impress the audience with too many technicalities. You will soon lose your grip over them.

– MAKE YOUR AUDIENCE FEEL THEY ARE GETTING ANSWERS TO THEIR QUERIES-

Every person wants to know,” What is in it for me”. So, do your research, prepare the FAQ’s (frequently asked questions), and make sure you weave them in your talk/ speech/ conversation.

BE AUTHENTIC & NATURAL- Be natural, do not fake an accent. Halfway down you will let go of the put-on accent and it is going to create an impression of you not being genuine. This is going to allow the audience to extrapolate about your subject matter. Have your own authentic viewpoint- not only does it come like a breath of fresh air but you deliver it with so much ease because you own it. Needless to say, you create an impact!

CORRECT POSTURE & GESTURES-

Figure out whether you are going to be standing or sitting. Watch your stance and posture. Practice in front of a mirror and watch out for non-effective gestures. Keep in mind ‘ mirroring body language’ if you are addressing a single person. There is no substitute for practice and your mirror becomes your best teacher- so watch that reflection!

BE AT EASE- Having a stiff demeanor can ‘turn off the audience. Learn to relax by doing some loosening exercises before the big moment in private and keep that smile going. The fact that you are prepared and practiced is going to go a long way in making you look like a ‘ natural’.

HUMOUR & HUMILITY- No matter how high up in the hierarchy you are, learn to be humble. Stop glorifying yourself- others have either been told or may have even read about you.

Learn to have a good sense of humour and to laugh at yourself instead of having fun at someone else’s expense. The ability to have a laugh on your own account helps to keep the atmosphere light & charged and makes you appear accessible, vulnerable & sensitive.

CONCLUDE BY SUMMARISING-

Keep a tight check on your time and conclude by summarising & repeating the important points

Keep the adage in mind- “Let your speech be better than your silence or be silent”.