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Take Charge Of Your Introduction
by
Simon Lum
Speaking in front of a large crowd is not easy, particularly if you are new to the public speaking scene. Always put in mind that if the next 20 seconds you did not receive any positive responses among your spectator then you re in big trouble. So, your number one goal is to make them connect with you the moment you climbed up the center stage.
One of the hardest things to do when public speaking is to create a good, attention grabbing introduction. Engaging your audience from the start is vital to maintain their attention throughout the whole of your speech. The first phrases that come out of your mouth must instantly project an immediate impact so you don t receive a dull reaction from your spectators.
You can continually get critical reactions from your audience if you don t at least find time to prepare for it. So, to battle this predicament of facing your crowd,
Below are some ways to take charge of your introductionCreate an immediate connection to your audience
Creating an immediate connection with your audience will help you build instant rapport with the audience. An important thing to do is to greet your audience. Something simple like, How are you all doing today? will help you to break the ice. These few seconds will help to convert the speech from a one-way conversation to a 2-way conversation where your audience interact and participate.
Moreover, it is important to recognize that the audience has made the effort to come to your speech. Recognizing this and being grateful for it is paramount. Say thank you let them know you appreciate the effort they have made.
Act with confidence
It is normal and good to feel nervous when you have a
public speaking
engagement as it shows you care and want to do your best. Once you stepped on stage, leave your worries behind and try to act as naturally as you can. Remember these people came to listen to you and want you to do well.
\”Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results Warm up your audience
Think about a cold, leftover lasagna. In order for us to turn it from cold to warm we have to warm it up. This is the same as public speaking.
When your audience is warmed up, they are more willing to participate. It is our
job to warm them up!
Get them to network with each other, ask an enticing question or get the audience to participate in some brainstorming. There are many ways to warm an audience up. Experiment with different ones.
Put yourself in the shoes of an audience member
Knowing what your audience wants and giving it to them is so important. Consider yourself as an audience members. Determine what you expect from the speaker and how you would like to feel. There you go that is what your introduction should emulate.
Your audience needs to feel valued right from the word go. Connecting with your audience creates rapport with them and shows that you are one of them . Look around the room and maintain eye contact with different audience members. While you are at it make sure you smile. Positivity goes a long way!
People will not always remember the content that you share but they will always remember the way you make them feel. An awesome introduction sets you up to deliver a world-class presentation!
Simon is an entrepreneur, speaker, coach and author. He is also the CEO and Founder of Speak Up. He mentors public speakers to create memorable experiences for their audience. You can learn more about him at
TheArtOfPublicSpeakingPdf.com
.
Article Source:
ArticleRich.com