7 STEPS TO A CONVINCING speech

Do you know what was the most performed karaoke song in the United States last year? Tennessee Whiskey, a modern country classic by the great Chris Stapleton.

A paradise for enthusiastic performers and probably a nightmare for bartenders listening to someone massacre a chorus for the fifth time.

And now you're wondering - what the hell does this love song have to do with public speaking? Well, I believe that most of the optimists who sang it on the stages of various cafes - guessed its words pretty well.

But the real struggle comes when it comes to capturing what makes a song special: the emotion, intonation, and interpretation.

Stapleton sings in the original in a way that makes you feel like he's personally touching you with that warm, deep voice as you sip whiskey together in the twilight. And karaoke? It often sounds completely lifeless, or worse - like someone is strangling a cat.

It's the same with public speaking. People often think that it's enough to "know the words" – or in this case, have a speech ready. But what takes a speech (or a song) to the next level isn't just the words.

The key is how you pronounce them , your gestures and facial expressions, the tone of your voice, the energy you bring. In short, your ability to convey a feeling to your audience.

Both songs AND speeches require words and emotion.

You don't need to be Stapleton to excel in public speaking – but you can certainly stop sounding like a voiceover machine on Google Maps.

Countless times in my work with people, I have witnessed that many speakers barely use half the potential of their voice and body language while conveying a message.

90% of participants during my public speaking training realize that they can tap into their own verbal and nonverbal communication capabilities much more powerfully, and be significantly more persuasive on stage than they currently are.

The way you convey your message is at least as important as the message itself. Several well-known studies suggest that the way you use your voice and body language is much more important than words.

You want to project confidence and persuasiveness. The way the message is conveyed is often more important than the message itself.

The 7 charachteristics of confident speakers

Here are 7 key characteristics of confident and persuasive speakers, along with practical tips on how to develop them.

1. Upright posture

People trust their eyes more than their ears.

Body posture sends a powerful message to your audience even before you say the first word.

For starters, stand tall and have a stable stance. This is what gives you the impression of control, stability, and confidence. Start becoming aware of your physical presence even in everyday situations, but especially on stage or in front of the camera.

2. Eye contact

Connect with your audience through your gaze. Look at the people. Eye contact is not only a sign of safety but also the key to establishing trust and empathy.

People in the audience generally prefer to feel like you are speaking to them. Instead of glancing around the room, focus on individuals or small groups in the audience, creating a sense of personal connection.

3. USE OF VOICE

Your voice is a significant part of your persuasiveness and impression in front of an audience. Vary your tone, speed, and volume – monotony kills the audience’s attention, while changes in rhythm and intonation highlight key parts and keep the audience engaged. If we compare our voice to a piano – why play the same key over and over again when you have 88 keys at your disposal?

We aim for vocal dynamism. Use your natural ability to express not only words, but also emotions with your voice! This will help you reach your audience more powerfully. The emotions conveyed can ultimately be more important than the words, so choose them carefully.

4. Calm body language

Your gestures accompany your story. Nervous movements like foot tapping, fidgeting, tics, hand fumbling, or moving too much can distract your audience. Instead, use controlled and natural gestures that enhance the power of your words and exude confidence.

5. Speech clarity

You want good articulation and precise word use.

Speakers who speak clearly, intelligibly, and without rushing give the impression of confidence and authority. Watch out for gibberish like "um" or "this" or "so," as it can reduce the persuasiveness of your message. A good speech is always clear and without unnecessary interruptions. In my client-specific training sessions , I regularly work on curbing gibberish.

6. PRESENCE AGAINST STRESS

Be here and now. A good speaker focuses on the moment, rather than on past mistakes or future worries. When you are fully present, your connection with your audience becomes stronger.

Instead of focusing on your own nervousness, focus your attention on the message you are conveying, and monitor the audience's reactions. This presence or "mindfulness" in public speaking is a great challenge for beginners, and is also honed with specific exercises.

7. Strong preparation

Preparation reduces nervousness and increases confidence.

Proper preparation allows you to speak with more freedom and confidence. Don't forget to practice key parts of your speech and anticipate questions from the audience. The more confident you are in your content, the easier it will be to deal with unpredictable situations.

Conclusion

Anyone can become a persuasive speaker with consistent practice and patience. Start small – choose one characteristic to improve today and dedicate time to it. I believe you know your own strengths and weaknesses in public speaking well enough.

If you need help improving your public appearance, we are just an email away. :)

Good luck!

Ivan Vrdoljak

ivan@effort.hr