10 Tips for Public Speaking | Control Your Audience

First things first. Know your audience  

Before preparing your speech, it is essential that you know who your listeners will be. Research their interests, needs and level of knowledge about the topic you are going to address. What do they know? How much do they know?  

This will allow you to tailor your message and communication style to better connect with your audience.   

1. Prepare your message  

Good preparation is key. Structure your presentation logically and make sure each point flows coherently.  

How to prepare:  

• Outline: Create a clear outline with introduction, development and conclusion.  

• Relevant content: Include relevant data, examples and anecdotes to support your message.  

• Visuals: Use visual aids such as slides, graphics or videos to accompany the main points. 

2. Naturalness  

Naturalness is the secret ingredient that makes communication effective and unforgettable. When we speak naturally, we connect with our audience on a deeper level, transmit trust and authenticity, making our message more receptive.  

It is also important to be prepared. The more you know your topic, the more confident you will feel and the more natural your speech will sound.  

3. Don't stop practicing  

Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your presentation several times until you feel comfortable with the content and flow of information.  

Practice techniques:  

• Rehearsals: practice in front of a mirror or record your presentation to check your strengths and those you need to emphasize.  

• Simulations: Perform simulations of the event to familiarize yourself with the environment and technical equipment. This will give you confidence when facing a real audience. 

4. Managing nerves  

It is normal to feel nervous before speaking in public, but there are techniques that can help you control them. Breathe deeply, relax your muscles and visualize the presentation. You can also do vocal and physical warm-up exercises to release tension.  

5. Look at your audience, connect with them  

Maintain eye contact with different parts of the audience. Smile, use natural gestures and modulate your voice to better convey your speech and connect with your listeners.  

You can also encourage audience participation by asking questions, asking opinions or allowing them to ask questions at the end of your presentation. Interaction creates a more dynamic atmosphere and allows listeners to feel more involved in the topic.  

6. The best at the beginning  

The beginning of the presentation is crucial to capture the audience's attention. Create a good introduction, pose questions to the audience and interact with them to capture their attention from the start.  

Tips:  

• Story or anecdote: Start with a relevant story that captures attention.  

• Rhetorical question: Pose a question that makes the audience think.  

• Powerful quote: Use a quote that is relevant and thought-provoking. 

7. Be clear and concise  

Clarity and conciseness are essential for your message to be understood and remembered.  

How to achieve this:  

• Simple language: Use simple, straightforward language.  

• Key points: Focus on the most important points and avoid digressing.  

• Pauses: Use pauses to give the audience time to assimilate the information.  

8. Non-verbal communication  

Your body language will also play an important role in how they perceive your message. Make sure your nonverbal communication supports your words.  

Some elements of nonverbal communication are:  

• Eye contact: Maintain eye contact with different people in the audience.  

• Gestures: Use natural gestures to emphasize your points.  

• Posture: Adopt an open and relaxed posture to project confidence.  

Use natural, expressive gestures to support your words and convey emotions that reach your audience. Maintain a comfortable posture and move around the stage with confidence. 

9. After all, it's just like telling a story 

The art of storytelling is a powerful tool in communication and speeches. Stories capture the audience's attention, make content more memorable and impactful, and help convey messages clearly and emotionally.  

How to use storytelling:  

• Choose relevant stories: Select stories that are relevant to your topic and resonate with your audience.  

• Vivid details: Include sensory details and vivid descriptions so the audience can visualize the story. This will make the story more engaging and memorable.  

• Emotional connection: Use stories that evoke emotions. Emotions create stronger and longer lasting connections with the audience.  

• End with a message: End your story with a conclusion that reinforces the main message of your presentation. Make sure the audience understands how the story relates to the overall theme. 

10. Closing will be the second best story  

The end of your presentation should be as strong as the beginning. Leave the audience with a lasting impression and a clear message.  

Strategies for an effective closing:  

• Summary: Recap the key points. A good summary will help your audience remember the most important aspects of your speech. Keep it short and to the point, highlighting the main ideas without going into too much detail.  

• Call to action: Motivate the audience to take a specific action. This can be something as simple as reflecting on what was discussed or as concrete as performing a specific task.   

• Closing story: If you started with a story, you can close the loop by returning to it in your conclusion. This creates a sense of closure and coherence in your presentation, leaving the audience with a clear and complete memory of your message.  

• Future vision: Invite the audience to look into the future. Talk about the long-term implications of your topic and how they can apply what they have learned to create a positive impact. 
   

DISCOVER THE PROGRAM!