If you are a speaker today, you need to be entertaining. Why? Well, consider your audiences. Some are distracted. Others want to be. Meeting planners look for speakers who know how to grab an audience’s attention and hold it firmly for an hour.
Another reason to be entertaining is that audiences get more value out of your presentation when they connect to it emotionally, not just intellectually. Your message sticks when you make it unique and enjoyable.
Adding entertainment to your presentation makes your message unforgettable.
As a coach, I help speakers incorporate different kinds of entertainment in to their talks such as stories, humor, music, demonstrations, and audience involvement. I start by identifying a speaker’s natural strengths and talents. Once I know what they are, we transform them for the stage.
So, let’s think about how you can entertain your audiences. For example, do you like telling stories? Storytelling is an ideal art form for speakers. A well-crafted story delivered with dramatic flair firmly embeds your message in your audiences’ minds and hearts.
How about adding music to your presentation? I am not a professional singer, but I write songs and have experience in musical theater. I put those talents together and involve the audience in musical finales, sing-alongs, kazoo bands. You name it! Impromptu audience productions are my signature and often result in new and repeat business.
OK, so maybe music isn’t in your veins. What about audience involvement? It’s a great way to keep people engaged and entertained. You might keep it simple like asking the audience questions. Or maybe you have a knack for what I call “high wire audience interaction”. Speakers who are good at this have a natural talent for leading large group activities, can think on their feet, and have a great sense of humor. Sound like you?
Being entertaining is much more than opening your speech with a joke and ending with a quote. The possibilities for using your unique strengths and talents in your presentations are almost endless.
So do you have a special talent that you can share on stage? Are you willing to work with a coach to develop creative ways to use it?
If you answered yes to both questions, you are on your way to adding powerful pizzazz to your presentations.
Tell us about what kinds of pizzazz you put in your presentations to make them memorable!
Paula, you offer some great suggestions for adding more flair to a presentation.
Years ago, I added magic to mine. I made it illustrate key points. Some audiences loved it. But the more technical ones distracted themselves with trying to figure it out. Arrgh!
I’ve seen some fabulous speakers integrate music, magic, and even dance. It’s great to see someone meld their avocational loves with their talk.
Thanks for sharing your good ideas in your blog.
Thanks, Rebecca. Finding the right match between your talents and your audience takes some thought and practice. It’s good to have someone to work with who can help think through possible glitches.