Inject Energy, Humor, and Personality into Your Presentation

You Need to Inject Energy, Humor, and Personality into Your Presentation

The number one rule of speech making: do not bore your audience. Therefore, you need to inject energy, humor, and personality into your presentation.

Unfortunately, it is easy to bore your audience when you are feeling anxious or when you are new to speaking. Sometimes you are concentrating so hard on making sure you do not forget your next point that you wind up sounding like a toy robot running low on batteries.

If you want to keep your audience interested and engaged, you must inject energy, personality and humor into your talk.

Now you might be thinking that public speaking is not really your biggest strength. Do you think that you cannot possibly get up on stage, remember your presentation, and give it with great energy!

But you would be wrong. You can be funny and energetic. You do not need to become a comedian. But you can bring some zest and vigor to your talk. Just think, you might find you even enjoy it.

Here are three ways to inject energy, humor, and personality into your presentation.

1. Start with Practice and Preparation.

You must know your speech inside and out. Only when you know your speech inside and out can you be more comfortable improvising and making those off-the-cuff remarks and points that can take your audience by surprise. Those off-the-cuff remarks are the moments that will bring the laughs.

In addition, a smart way to practice is to record your presentation. When you record your practice session, then you will be able to watch yourself. This is a must do for all great speakers. Watching a recording of yourself helps you to identify problem areas and spots where you could use a bit more sparkle.

2. Improve your mood.

Watch funny television shows instead of crime dramas. Visit the local comedy club. Smile more. Get more exercise. Ask a few questions of the audience right from the beginning of your talk.

Not only will your overall mood improve, but you will bring that extra energy and happiness to all your presentations.

3. Start off on the right foot.

Before your each presentation, do not hole yourself in your hotel room going over your speech one more time. Instead, go for a brief walk or do a few jumping jacks just before you go down to the meeting room.

 I also like to interact with the audience before my presentations. I can gauge their interest. I can find out their most pressing concerns. Then when I get on stage I can interject points from my conversations with them into my presentation. It has been my experience that audience members like being referred to. Walking around the room and introducing yourself to the audience members shows your confidence and command of the subject.  It also humanizes you!

Are you still not feeling like you can give your presentation that burst of energy that will make it more memorable? Consider joining Toastmasters or another local club focused on presentation.

Here is one last point.  The best way to put some personality into your presentation is simply to have one. Remember, do not walk on the stage acting like a business owner. Go out there and be you. No one can tell your story like you can. The audience is there because they want to hear from you, so give them what they want. Let your personality shine!

I got wonderful experience learning how to think on my feet as a trial and appellate court litigator. Answering questions from a judge trying to poke holes in your case quickly teaches you the importance of preparation and knowing how to respond ...