8 Dynamic Strategies for Transforming Your Public Speaking Skills

What is at the heart of public speaking? I’m talking here specifically about professional speaking. Delivering a keynote speech at a conference where you are paid a hefty sum for your knowledge or speaking at an event with the intent to convert your listeners to paying customers. Again being paid for your knowledge, but through a call to action at the end of your speech.

Let’s be clear…the core objectives of professional speaking are to captivate, educate, motivate, and inspire people to take action.

If you are speaker at an event, for your talk to truly resonate and make an impact, you MUST engage and captivate your audience from start to finish.

To help you with that, I’ve put together 8 strategies I use to keep my audience fully engaged during my presentations.

1) Make an Immediate Connection

An approach I use in my workshops is to begin with a powerful affirmation.

I say, “It’s no small feat that you’re here today. You represent the proactive few in our society.”

This line transcends borders.

“You’re proactive because you’ve chosen to be here. You’re part of a select few who understand the importance of investing in themselves. The rest? They find excuses.”

Il ask, “How many of you can think of someone who could’ve joined us but chose not to?”

Heads nod, picturing those absent friends who often settle for the status quo.

Then I reinforce that,

“The fact that you have shown up here today already puts you ahead of the rest. It’s not about where you started but where you’re headed. Being here today, you’ve taken action to start shaping your future.”

That sets the stage for my session.

2) Engage with Emotion

I often challenge my listeners by asking, “Do you believe we think more with our hearts or our heads?”

After a few guesses, they land around 80% emotional.

I correct them, “It’s entirely emotional.”

Ever wondered how some people have the innate ability to grab your attention and make you feel WOW? It’s because the way they speak, connects with your emotions.

Our emotions are rapid-fire; logic merely provides the after-the-fact justification.

You may instinctively warm up to someone and only later understand why.

3) Affirm the Audience’s Excellence

Throughout my workshops, presentations and webinars, I reflect back to this sentiment.

“Like the proactive individuals you are, you know this…”

“Those seeking to be in the top tier manage their time like this…”

By consistently reminding them of their elite status, it maintains a feel-good atmosphere and they leave with elevated self-esteem.

4) Echo Your Opening

I ensure my opening statement is strong enough to serve as a recurring anchor throughout the presentation.

This technique has never failed me and has proven to move people forward.

5) Align with the Audience’s Self-Interest

People often attend my coaching, workshops and webinars out of obligation rather than real desire. For example, I dragged my husband to an event. He wasn’t attending because he personally wanted to, but rather because he felt pulled and obligated to.

Then there are those who have been told they need to improve their skills, so they search for a relevant training or are given recommendations from their superiors.

I quickly identify their self-interest.

I might ask, “Who here is interested in doubling their income?”

Every hand shoots up.

I assure them, “Today, I’ll share proven methods to do just that.”

6) Enthrall with Stories

Stories are the lifeblood of a compelling presentation.

Whether it’s a personal experience or a tale I’ve heard, I always start with, “Let me share a story with you…”

When you weave narratives into your presentation, you can captivate your audience from start to end.

7) Invoke Universal Motivations

Whether it’s patriotism, loyalty, or personal ambition, tap into these powerful drives.

Consider what is going on in the world and tap into these powerful emotional drivers. “We are at a crossroads. Today I will share techniques that will help you to contribute to a brighter future for all.”

8) Clarify the Audience’s Takeaways

People are driven by the potential for gain. What will I get out of this? Why should I listen?

I make it clear from the outset what they stand to gain—be it wealth, time, or success.

I might say, “To significantly increase your earnings, focus on these three strategies.”

Then, I pause.

That silence captivates them, eager to discover what comes next.

By using these strategies, you can engage your audience throughout your talk and deliver a memorable and

impactful presentation without giving in to stage fright or nerves. How do these resonate with you?