3 Ps of Public Speaking

The best presentations create an experience for your audience. 

Think of a time where you were super engaged by a presentation. What made it captivating?

3 of my favorite audience engagement techniques are pictures, props and personal stories. 

1) PICTURES

A picture is worth a thousand words. Your audience would much rather look at pictures than charts, graphs and text-filled slides (trust me). 

Advertising client Fancy delighted audiences with pictures and videos of their exceptional creative work for sex toy company Lion’s Den.  Check out their talk here.

2) PROPS

Modern life is inundated with screens so any time you use an actual object, it immediately grabs attention. 

Props offer endless creative possibilities. I've used an expanding geodesic ball, a whisk and apron, and a plastic water bottle (which makes a fantastic sound), to help illustrate a point and set the scene for my audience (and those are just a few examples).

3) PERSONAL STORIES

Stories are a powerful way to connect with your audience and elicit emotion. 

I often share my own story about overcoming my fears of public speaking because I want you to know that no matter where you are, however you feel today, your feelings, your perspective and your skill level can change.  

You just have to start. Pictures, props, and personal stories are an easy way to immediately make your presentations more fun, more interactive, and more compelling.

Want help engaging your audience? Get the Speak with Impact Kit, 4 essential resources to spark your creative juices, communicate your story, and create presentations that make your work stand out.

Want to put these techniques into practice? Join us in Speak with Impact Lab. You'll learn all the skills you need to speak on panels, present at conferences, and confidently lead meetings.