What are some of the latest research findings on public speaking persuasion techniques?

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.