The most successful orators mastered the art of persuasive public speaking. Whether they were leaders or activists, they had an ability to leave people hanging on their every word. They inspired people to take action. They motivated people to change.
No one is born with a talent for public speaking. Every successful speaker had to overcome their anxieties and deal with the stress of the situation in order to develop their knowledge and skills. You can to!
There is a high demand for persuasive public speaking. Teachers and salespeople, presidents and coaches all rely on their ability to persuade people that they have the answers – or at least know the right questions. These skills can apply to any work environment. Just think of the accomplishments you could be missing if you don’t master the art of persuasive public speaking.
1. Believe in yourself and in your message.You have to have faith in yourself as well as the message you are delivering. If you do not believe in the content of your speech, you won’t be able to speak about it with passion or sincerity, both of which are keys to persuasive public speaking.
People want to invest in companies or leaders that reflect their values; they value integrity. If you cannot convey a sense of sincerity, people will wonder if you’re holding back essential information. They’ll wonder if there’s something you are not telling them. To stop this doubt, you need to be as confident and straightforward as possible.
2. Create a big presence.Don’t hide behind the podium or make small, insignificant gestures. Enthusiasm and passion need to be conveyed. To accomplish this, take up as much space on the stage as you can. For example, when you ask a question, take a step forward. When you begin to deliver the answer, take a thoughtful step backwards.
One of our first impulses when we are new to public speaking is to stand timidly at the front of the room. We clasp our hands tightly in front of us and lean over the microphone. This will not result in persuasive public speaking. Instead, make gestures using your arms. Point them into the audience. Use them to compare and contrast two points, like scales. Good examples of this are late-night infomercials. Take notice of the way they use their body to accentuate their sales pitch.
3. Use your voice.You most basic tool, when it comes to persuasive public speaking, is your voice. We use our voice to make an impression on our audience. People are more profoundly influenced byhowsomeone talks, than what he or she says. Use the pitch, volume, and quality of your voice to their best advantage. Soften your voice for emphasis and vary your pitch to express emotion.
If you’re able to use these three points during your next presentation, you’ll be well on your way to mastering persuasive public speaking.
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