What are the most effective public speaking strategies for coaches and mentors?

Knowing why you are speaking is obviously the first step. If you don't have a purpose, then the speaker is just wasting his and the people's time. Rambling on and on about nothing is a serious breech of code.

To actively listen, self-reflection, being open for feedback and proactively asking for it and to every so often simply be quiet and let others think ;)

Storytelling is the number one tool when it comes to speaking. If you truly want a powerful message you must connect with your audience and their emotions through storytelling. You can use real stories from your past—key learnings and takeaways. Show your vulnerability and ability to be similar to those to whom you speak. Get on their level and be relatable in as many ways as possible. As a previous TEDx speaker at the largest TEDx in Canada, I recommend these 3 key tools: -practice what you preach -be confident even if you don't feel like it -use stories from struggle to triumph Stories are the connection between you and your audience. Try to avoid stories from other people's lives or areas. Connect with your personal stories.

I think it is important to engage your audience but before you can do that YOU MUST KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. It sounds simple but not knowing your audience would be like teaching art to a math major. As a speaker I must engage on a level they can relate to.

No question. If you are not passionate and authentic then why in the world should your audience be and why in the world would they want to come and listen to start with? In this case, your reputation precedes you.

People will see straight through you if you're not authentic when you speak. It's easy to spot fakes and people "trying too hard" to please others. Showing up as yourself and being yourself is critical. When speaking, this shows up through constant practice. Get used to speaking in front of different audiences in different places. I've leveraged Toastmasters. This group allowed me to practice and deliver authentic talks over time. Speaking is one thing, but doing it as your authentic self is a new challenge. Practice your craft, and eventually, you can connect with yourself.

Tell your story, be authentic, use humour and engage with the audience. I personally love starting a presentation by asking questions and getting the audience involved. If you can make people laugh and people involved in the first minutes, you can set yourself up for a really engaging presentation. If your nervous, putting a "raise you hands if" question right at the start can also help take the nerves away as the focus in that moment is on the crowd and the question and not on you!

RELAX! If you have prepared and can tell yourself, "I got this" then relax. If you, the speaker, are on edge, your audience will either be on edge as well, tune you out, or become hyper-critical of you and your subject.