Eye Contact while Speaking

One of the things many people hate about speaking in front of a group is having to look at them.  I would agree, looking at your audience is not a pleasant experience, especially when one is trying to explain their points in a logical and meaningful fashion.  Audiences have a tendency to make a person laugh, make them cry, make them freeze--they're like every Marvel Super Villain Stan Lee has ever created.  Maybe, Stan's audiences are where he got some of his inspirations!

But, you do not have to be Tony "Iron Man" Stark in order to overcome your Mark "Whiplash" Scarlotti.  In fact, connecting with your audience is much, much easier than that.  As a person who has spent the better part of her life on stage, I can assure you, actors and speakers do not actually look at anyone.  In fact, if I were to look at my fellow actors on stage, I would never be able to make it through a full play!  Imagine it: You're on stage, performing a Shakespearean piece like Midsummer Night's Dream, and you turn to look at Puck--and one of his horns is starting to come off from the heat of the lamp.  He already looks ridiculous in his pixie ears, so this would possibly make you start to giggle...which is not a desireable reaction.  Especially if you are playing Oberon.  If you have no idea who these characters are, please go to your local library and check out a copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Watch the DVD with Stanley Tucci, if you want.  Or, watch the modern version called A Midsummer Night's Rave.  Same idea and equally funny.  But, I digress.

When delivering a presentation, the key to connecting with your audience is to make them think you are look at them.  It is difficult to tell just where your eyes are focusing when you're speaking--so focus them at the crown of the audiences' heads or just over their shoulders.  If you're tag-teaming a presentation and must look at your partner, I highly recommend looking just over their upstage (the side closest to the back of the stage area) shoulder.  Not only will it save you from bursting into a giggle-fit in the middle of your presentation, it will help you focus on what you are going to say next.
That's it, really.  One simple trick to helping you through your public speaking adventure.  The only other trick to connecting with the audience is to make sure you smile--with your mouth, or with your eyes.  That will help the audience stay focused and help you channel your nervous energy.

3 Tips for Introductions

Previously, we discussed 3 Tips for Conclusions.  It's important to end your speech or presentation solidly because it's the last thing your audience will hear.  There are two aspects of speaking that simply must be known in order for any type of organization to occur: Primacy and Recency.  Recency is, of course, the most recent thing stated (your conclusion, for example).  Primacy is the very first thing you say or do--your introduction.  If you're scrambling for your notes, people will remember that you weren't prepared and that will damage your credibility.  Therefore, it is of utmost importance that your introduction wow your audience and prepares them for your presentation.  Here are 3 Tips for Introductions:

1. Grabber Statement.  Much like the Clincher statement of your conclusion, your "Grabber Statement" needs to make the audience sit up and listen.  There are different types of grabbers you can use--relevant quotes, facts, jokes, etc.  Something that will draw the audience in from the first moment you address them.
2. Funnel.  You're going to prep the audience for your speech or presentation--why this topic, why now, what problems are there.  You want 3-4 forward-moving sentences that will funnel you downward to a specific.
3. Statement of points.  You'll end your introduction with a statement of your points, in order (I, II, III).  "Today, we're going to look at what mobile carriers are available, how they compare to each other, and who the clear choice is."

By telling the audience what you're going to tell them, the audience has the opportunity to follow along more clearly.  It also prepares them--subconsciously--for what they're about to hear.  In teaching, the tell-teach-tell method reinforces student learning; the same is true in speaking.  Tell your audience what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you've told them.  It is a proven, effective tool and will propel you forward in speaking.

3 Tips for Conclusions

Nothing is worse than listening to a speech or lecture that seems to never end--except maybe listening to a speech that has an ending that leaves, well, everything to be desired.  In order to control your audience, you must leave them with something to take home--we call this, "the clincher."  It is the end-all, be-all of your conclusion.

But, how do you get to that clincher statement?

A conclusion is just that--it concludes (or ends) your speech.  A solid conclusion needs to restate your points, summarize your speech, and give the audience something to take away with them.  To do this, I highly recommend what is called a reverse funnel.

Your introduction could be compared to a funnel: Start with a general statement and funnel down to your main points.  Your conclusion is, basically, the mirror opposite.  Start with your main points and funnel out to your general statement.  Here are 3 Tips for Solid Conclusions:

1. Restate Points.  If you have three main points, your introduction should state them in the order they appear (I, II, III).  Your conclusion, however, should restate them in reverse order (III, II, I).  Why?  Because you just told us your last point--remind us!  ("Today, we've examined why Sprint is the best choice for mobile carriers, what the differences are among the carriers, and who the available carriers are...")  By doing this, you reinforce to your audience what they just heard and subtly remind them what they're walking away with.
2. Summarize.  Summarize your speech in 3-4 good sentences.  In a persuasive speech, you'll summarize your position and remind the audience why your position is in their best interest.  
3. The Clincher.  Don't fudge on your ending.  The last thing you want to do is simply say, "Thanks for listening," or "Buy it now!"  Hitler did not win the blind trust of so many by simply saying, "Und das ist meine Rende. Folgen Sie mir!" (which is German for "And that's my speech.  Follow me!")  He left the people with something.  He was charismatic, yes, but he also knew how to end his speech with power--which is something you must do!  "Clearly, Sprint is the best choice in mobile carriers.  In fact, it's so clear, you can hear a pin drop."

If you're having trouble figuring out a good clincher statement, think of what would motivate you, or call you to action--get you thinking, etc.  You want the audience to remember you.  Make yourself memorable--leave an impact!

You can read about some of the great orators in William Mathews' book, Oratory and Orators from Amazon.com.