Oral presentation strategies that persuade an audience

The following oral presentation strategies are key to creating successful and effective business events.

Research audience. Research audience demographics and find motivating topics that dovetail with the event theme.

Craft “attention getter.” Use an attention getter as a string that pulls your presentation together.

Draft content. Read, edit, tighten, and finalize. Keep your audiences’ frame of reference in mind as you ensure content flows naturally and logically. If time allows and if appropriate intertwine a personal story throughout your presentation. This makes the presenter relatable or real if you will.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice your speech several times in front of mirror, note tone of voice, and body language. Are you expressing emotion appropriately, does your body language say I love this topic, I am an expert in this area, you can believe what I’m telling you. Make sure you are not using “umm,”  “you know,” “like” or other nervous fillers in your speech that serve to diminish your authority.

Create cue cards. If you rehearse your speech enough, you may not need this advice. However, in the unlikely event that you forget your train of thought, it is advisable that you have something in your toolbox that will trigger your next line.

Design interesting slides. PowerPoint or other delivery mechanisms are very useful in communicating your point of view. Don’t over use clip art, keep slides clean with appeasing colors, and use only two different font families.  It is best to use a simple slide transition that does not draw away from the message.

Dress slightly better than event dictates. Dressing a step above or equal to your audience solidifies your authority, but still keeps you relatable. Most people respect a speaker's knowledge if he "looks" as though he knows his subject matter well.

Eye contact is mandatory. Eye contact with the audience makes them want to hear more from you. Single out one or two people and talk directly to them as though you have known them forever. Scan the audience for others who seem totally engaged and gently move your focus towards them.

Close your speech with an action item.  Leave your audience with a "wow" factor, a thought to ponder, or something that will keep the listener engaged long after you depart.

Leave your business cards. Place business cards, presentation copies, or other collateral in an accessible area so that there is something tangible for your audience to take with them.

Employing these presentation strategies will persuade your audience to do business with you; it will generate a buzz and enhance your credibility as a subject matter expert.