12 Ways to Compel your Audience when you speak
For your communication to have impact, it must first engage and compel. Let’s be honest here, if a listener is bored or disinterested, your message will likely fall flat. For non-native English speakers, focusing on consciously engaging is crucial. Here are 12 simple ways to make your English communication more compelling today:
1. Start strong
“A good start is half the battle”, as the saying goes. Apply the psychological principle of “The Primacy Recency Effect”, and know that people remember what you said first (and last) above all else. Starting strong is not just about a good first impression, it’s scientifically proven that it’s what people will remember most. Make it count.
2. Make Eye Contact
It seems so obvious to say it, but do you do it? Do you actively make eye contact? Non-native speakers are often focused on their notes, getting it right, pronunciation and so on, and some shyness makes it easy to avoid eye contact. People feel valued when they feel seen. Make it your goal to make eye contact with everyone in the room (where possible!)
3. Tell a Story
Science tells us that people connect through story. We are hardwired for story. Make your communication more relatable by telling stories – real or hypothetical, personal or professional, first or second hand. Story works.
4. Share a Personal Example
Relatedly, personal works best. The more people are willing to be vulnerable, the more we connect with them. Sharing a personal story, a struggle, a challenge, is the ultimate way to engage a listener, and make them connect.
5. Use Facial Expression
I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t want to do facial gymnastics! It’s just not me!” And you’re absolutely right. Facial summersaults are not necessary, but some variation in expression is important.
6. Use Body Language
Linked to facial expression is body language. Again, no need for dramatics. I often encourage my clients to use their hands a little more. Counting a list of points out on your fingers helps your listener to follow you, and keeps you on track. The gesture doesn’t need to be big; subtle works just as well.
7. Leverage Metaphor & Analogy
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Humans love metaphor. Metaphor and analogy appeal to the listener through two channels of their brain – verbal and visual – creating deeper impact. Often thought-provoking, interesting and creative, metaphors also appeal to people subconsciously and emotionally – crucial for communication engagement. Paint pictures with your words.
8. Don’t neglect RSI
Rhythm. Stress. Intonation. How you use your voice matters. Do you remember a class at school with a teacher who had a monotone voice? We all do. Use your voice to create interest, flow, and to captivate your audience.
9. Pause
One of my favourites. Thomas Carlyle once said: “Silence is more eloquent than words.” Very often we bombard our listener with words and content. But sometimes, the most powerful thing to say is nothing. Sometimes, the most powerful way to stimulate a response, is to let the question hang in the silence. Speak like Obama: don’t forget to pause.
10. Ask Questions
Nothing beats a good question. Your question can be open or closed, hypothetical or sincere. You can invite your audience to answer aloud, or in their mind. Either way, it requires your listener to focus, and grabs attention.
11. Appeal to Emotion and Pain Points
For communication to count, it has to reach people on an emotional level, or solve a problem. Does your message do either?
12. Take a Poll or Vote
Similar to asking questions, why not ask for a show of hands, when addressing a group? Why not vote? Democracy is empowering. If embracing technology, I use Menti to get instant answers to polls and it always re-energises the room when the live answers start popping up on screen!
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And there you have 12 of the quickest ways you can compel your audience, allowing your communication to have more IMPACT. Remember, if you want to sell, you have to compel.