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If you always loved to watch the way others speak at different events even as simple as a great dinner, then you should know that you will too be able to speak like that if you will keep a few things in mind. The fact is that most of the times when people will finish eating a good meal they will be eyeing for the exit and would certainly love to take a nap. Not many of them will expect too much from an after dinner speaker. If you want to make sure you will impress people with your speech, then below you will find a few tips that will help you out with keeping their eyes glued on you.
Make people like you
Just like in sales you will need to know that in speaking you will have to find a way to engage with people. That is why you will have to create e likable persona which can really affect the attention you can get from individuals. But being likable doesn’t really mean you will have to be a mild mannered pushover. When you want to engage with people it would be a good idea to let them know about one or more of your foibles, yet make sure you will add some humor to that. It doesn’t matter whether your audience is innocuous or grave, because this bit of levity will do wonders still.
On top of that you will have to be yourself when talking to your audience, just like many successful after dinner speakers are. If you are yourself then you will not show any signs of nervousness which can make people believe you’re actually reciting a speech you just learnt the day before. No one likes non-authentic things in general, so you won’t grab their attention this way. Sincerity is the key here. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with the same things as the audience, but do make them feel you respect their opinion, regardless of what that might be.
Show you’re passionate
When talking to the audience just imagine they are someone you know very well or maybe your best friend to whom you are telling about this great thing you went through. Get some passion for your subject. After you find it then you’ll be ready to connect with the materials. After doing so, your vehemence and enthusiasm can’t help but show through every word and movement you’ll make. Managing to engage with your audience at this level will only prove how much you identify yourself with what you’re telling them.
Be Interactive
After dinner the audience will generally expect a bad speech to go with the maybe rubber chicken they just had. And this is your chance to let them in on a very big surprise. Make them think and make them curious and involved in what you are saying. Your tack can be different depending on your speech. Create scenarios, ask questions, role play, just make sure you are yourself and you combine these techniques in order to stir up the audience, impress, surprise and finally entertain them.
Following these tips which even the greatest after dinner speakers employ, you will find yourself as a very likable and entertaining person at each speech you’ll hold!
Image Courtesy: Microsoft
