Public speaking is a skill that can help you persuade, inform, and inspire your audience. But how can you make your speech more effective and memorable? In this article, we will explore some of the latest research findings on public speaking persuasion techniques, and how you can apply them to your own presentations.
One of the most powerful ways to persuade your audience is to use stories and emotions. Stories can help you connect with your listeners, illustrate your points, and make your speech more memorable. Emotions can also influence your audience's attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Research shows that emotional appeals can enhance your credibility, increase your audience's involvement, and motivate them to act on your message. Therefore, you should use stories and emotions that are relevant, vivid, and appropriate for your purpose and audience.
To take your story telling to the next level be sure to narrate from within it rather than from a distance. When we remain distanced from our story we tell so does audience. The power of story has to do with the power it has to creat an immersive experience and transport an audience—-but this only happens if the speaker leads the way.
I graduated Dale Carnegie's Skills for Success course in 2015. For those who don't know Dale Carnegie, he began teaching his first public speaking course in 1912. The latest findings on public speaking persuasion techniques are mostly founded on Carnegie's 3 Es of communication. Earn the right to talk about your speech subject Excite the audience with positive feelings such as enthusiasm Eagerness to share actual value to your audience These are time tested principles from the early 1900s that influence audience attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Combine these principles with another Carnegie invention "The Magic Formula For Influencing Action" and you have key ingredients that will make any speech more effective and memorable.
Another key factor for persuasion is to adapt to your audience. You need to know who your listeners are, what they care about, and what they expect from you. Research suggests that adapting to your audience can improve your rapport, trust, and likability. It can also help you tailor your message to their needs, interests, and values. You can adapt to your audience by doing some research before your speech, observing their reactions during your speech, and using language, examples, and humor that suit them.
Meet your audience where they are and then bring them to where you want them to go. This is simple advice that’s good for more than just public speaking.
A third technique for persuasion is to use evidence and logic. Evidence can help you support your claims, demonstrate your expertise, and counter potential objections. Logic can help you organize your arguments, show the relationships between your ideas, and persuade your audience to accept your conclusions. Research indicates that evidence and logic can enhance your clarity, authority, and persuasiveness. You should use evidence and logic that are reliable, relevant, and sufficient for your topic and audience.
“Trust me on this one” might be all it takes to persuade some, but others may want to see factual data from reliable sources. Never go into a persuasive conversation empty-handed. Take some time to prepare a short presentation, no more than 3-4 slides, with all the facts and figures needed to make your case. Be sure to add visuals such as charts & graphs that make it easier to understand. If your slides are too wordy with little to no visuals, getting them to agree with you will be that much harder. Short & simple always wins
The use of Evidence and Logic, correlates with ancient wisdom in trying to pass on information to, or educate, an audience under the influence of your voice. This is highly skillful and important, when it is well done, because it truly can enhance your clarity, authority, and persuasiveness.
A fourth technique for persuasion is to use nonverbal cues. Nonverbal cues are the aspects of your delivery that do not involve words, such as your voice, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions. Nonverbal cues can help you communicate your emotions, attitudes, and confidence. Research reveals that nonverbal cues can affect your credibility, attractiveness, and influence. You should use nonverbal cues that are consistent, appropriate, and expressive for your message and audience.
One thing that people often get wrong with nonverbal is that they try too hard. We have strong radar for when things are not natural and feel like people are acting. Rather than act I teach people to allow themselves to become immersed in the sharing of the story. Do this and the non verbals will emerge in a way that is authentic and effective.
When I’m facilitating the session begins well before go time. I meet the participants at the door, chat as they are getting seated, sit down with them, and find out a little of what brings them into the session. By the time the last participants come in (and the session starts), the early birds are feeling friendly towards me, and therefore my content. Too many facilitators have a different ‘voice’ for presenting. I try to talk to people in my usual warm, friendly voice. Nerves are often what gets in the way of effectively using nonverbal cues. When we are concerned about the session, we tend to look concerned, nervous, worried. That doesn’t fill the participants with confidence. Use breathing to calm yourself down.
A fifth technique for persuasion is to use ethical principles. Ethical principles are the standards of conduct that guide your behavior as a speaker. Ethical principles can help you respect your audience, yourself, and your topic. Research demonstrates that ethical principles can increase your respectability, integrity, and responsibility. You should use ethical principles that are honest, fair, and respectful for your message and audience.
These are some of the latest research findings on public speaking persuasion techniques. By using these techniques, you can make your speech more effective and memorable. What other techniques do you use to persuade your audience? Share your tips and experiences with us.
Create pauses in your speech. This gives you time to gather your thoughts, and it gives the audience a chance to take in the information. In a way, it also creates suspense. If you’re delivering amazing stories, and an interesting topic- it’ll keep them hanging on for more! I’ve learned that speaking slow, and giving room for silence, can be extremely effective!
Using filler words such as “um” or “uh” throughout your speech might cause your audience to disengage and/or misconstrue information. Don’t be afraid of pauses! If you are unable to finish your complete thoughts on the subject, take a few seconds to pause and regather your thoughts, then continue, instead of using filler words to allow for continuous speech. Your audience will be much more engaged in what you are saying by pausing as needed, and they won’t instead be paying attention to how many times you say “um” throughout your presentation.