Public speaking is all about effective communication, whether this is on an auditorium stage, in a small room or a huge arena. Gaining then holding the favorable attention of your listeners are the keys here.
Once you’ve worked out what you want to say, conquered your fear of speaking in public, and brushed up your skills to actually present your ideas, the all-important next step is to captivate your audience.
Here are five ways to captivate your listeners:
1 – Instantly gain your audience’s favorable interest by using an attention-grabbing opener. This can be a question, statement or a personal anecdote that is in context. Select something that would appeal to, and not embarrass,
your listeners. Find out something about your audience that they may not expect you to know or acknowledge. So, if it is at a convention then ask questions of your convener, beforehand, as to what’s the current convention theme, or “buzz”, then refer to it. Do not try jokes or allude to rumor as this will surely offend somebody. Remember you are to gain the favorable attention of your listeners, not unfavorable.
