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Are you nervous about your upcoming speaking gig? Do you need to master more strategies to take it to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting, it's normal to feel anxious before taking the stage.
But don't worry; with the proper preparation and mindset, you can deliver a powerful and engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.
In this article, we'll share some important do's and don'ts to help you ace your next speaking gig and confidently connect with your audience. So, let's dive in!
Let us begin by looking at the Do’s for your next speaking gig
Do’s
1. Know your audience.
Did you know that your audience defines your content? If you have ever been part of an audience where the speaker seemed out of touch with their message, likely, they did not take the time to know their audience beforehand.
Knowing your audience is essential for delivering a speech that resonates with them and leaves a lasting impact. By researching and understanding their demographics, interests, expectations, and needs, you can tailor your message and delivery to personally engage and connect with your audience.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Becoming a great speaker requires consistent effort and practice over time, and it is not something that can be achieved overnight. Therefore, you must dedicate more time and effort to practicing than you think.
3. Use visuals
Make your message powerful and engaging. The only way to achieve this is through the use of visuals. The common forms of visuals that you can use include slides, videos, images, or physical props. They support your message and help your audience better understand and retain information.
Bonus tip: When using visuals, it's essential to ensure they are high-quality, relevant, and easy to see. They should also be used strategically and sparingly so as not to overwhelm or distract your audience from your message
4. Connect with your audience
did you know that when you connect with your audience, you establish a rapport and create a sense of trust, which can help to make your message more persuasive and memorable? Why don't you try this on your next speaking gig and observe how it could be a game-changer for your speaking career? There are many ways of connecting with your audience, including humor, storytelling, keeping eye contact, and active listening, among others.
5. Be authentic
Being authentic is an essential aspect of giving a successful speech or presentation. By staying true to yourself, being honest and transparent, and engaging with your audience, you can establish a deeper connection and make your message more persuasive and memorable.
Now let us shift focus to the things you should avoid if you want to become a better speaker;
Don’ts
1. Don't read from a script: Memorize your speech or use bullet points to ensure you appear natural and engaging.
2. Don't use filler words: Avoid using filler words such as "um," "ah," or "like" that can distract your audience from your message.
3. Don't overcomplicate your message: Keep your message simple and easy to understand to ensure your audience stays engaged.
4. Don't go over time: Stick to your allotted time and avoid going over to respect your audience's schedule.
5. Don't forget to thank your audience: Always end your speech with a sincere thank you to your audience for their time and attention.
Bottom line
Remember, your next speaking gig can be a game-changer for your career! By following these do's and don'ts, you can ensure that your presentation is engaging, authentic, and memorable. So go out there, give it your all, and knock it out of the park!