GREAT speakers have something in common. It is the ability to move crowds and influence them to take action towards a specific goal. Speakers don’t only give information, but they are inspirational and transformative.
This article looks at seven great rules to a powerful speech. I say they are rules because without applying them, your talk will be lifeless and monotonous.
Excitement
Excitement depends on the mood of the occasion. Learn to start your speech with a strong opening that grabs the listener's attention.
This takes the use of compelling storytelling techniques or impactful statistics to generate excitement. Also, maintain a lively pace and rhythm throughout your speech to sustain the audience's interest.
Exuberance
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Every talk must have life. When Jesus Christ delivered a speech on the mount, he was poetic, rhythmic and full of rhyme.
The Psalmist sang, showed, painted, portrayed and used known examples to breathe life into his speech. Consider Psalms 23.
As a speaker, embrace a positive and energetic attitude while speaking in public.
Secondly, use creative, professional and appropriate body language and gestures to engage the audience.
Finally, life in your talk is projected in your voice though confidence, clarity and agility in your pitch, tone and diction.
Experience
Most people think speakers charge for standing on stage and delivering a speech. No, professional speakers charge experience. Great speakers draw from personal experiences and use the power of stories to make their speech relatable and authentic.
They share not only relevant, but topical examples or anecdotes that support their main points. Great speakers sell credibility and trust, which people buy into.
Earnestness
Learn to be sincere and genuine in your delivery so as to connect with the audience at an emotional level.
The audience has its needs and concerns, as such the speaker should show empathy and understanding towards them.
Some speakers memorise their speech and that makes it lose its originality and humanness.
Enthusiasm
One way of not allowing the audience to sleep when you are speaking is by exuding enthusiasm and passion for your topic. This inspires and motivates your audience. This is what most university lecturers lack. They carry flat information to fill the heads of their students.
Also, use vocal inflections and intonations to convey excitement and interest. Also use visual aids or props that enhance enthusiasm and make the speech memorable. Remember, people think in pictures.
Expression
The easy way to connect with people is by effective use of active non-verbal communication to convey your message.
Maintain eye contact with the audience to establish a connection. Inevitably, use facial expressions to articulate emotions and engage the listeners.
Engagement
Expression also connects with engagement. Engage with the audience by asking questions, encouraging participation or using interactive activities.
It will take you to understand your audience, so as to meet their needs and interests. Build rapport with the audience by finding common ground or shared experiences.
Using humour appropriately can create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
- Jonah Nyoni is an author, speaker, and leadership trainer. He can be contacted on Twitter @jonahnyoni. WhatsApp: +263 772 581 918