The Art of Presenting & Engaging an Audience (Without Putting Them to Sleep)

One of my superpowers? Presenting and engaging an audience. It’s like I was born for this...literally.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been lucky enough to work in different industries that forced me to do what I do best: talk. Whether it was hosting a commercial radio show on YFM, entertaining viewers on Soweto TV, managing corporate clients, or emceeing events, masterclasses, and podcasts — I’ve lived in front of an audience. If there’s one thing I’ve nailed, it’s the fine art of talking (and getting people to actually listen).

So, what’s the point of this article, you ask? Well, after attending some truly cringeworthy conferences and events lately, I’ve realised: not everyone’s born with this magical ability.

Some speakers lose the plot faster than Man United and Kaizer Chiefs can lose a game. And that’s a crime against audiences everywhere. So, let me share a few unconventional tips to keep you from becoming "that" speaker.

1. Share what matters!

There’s this trend going around where speakers feel the need to spend 15 minutes bragging about their résumés or dropping random facts – like which celebrity they had brunch with or how many degrees they’ve collected. Yawn.

Let’s be real for a second: unless your personal journey is directly relevant, nobody’s taking notes. A few weeks back, I sat through a 30-minute presentation that felt like standing in line at home affairs, just waiting for my number to be called. It was supposed to be about student support services, but the speaker spent half the time talking about their PhD journey. Inspiring? Sure. Relevant? Not in the slightest.

Look, I get it, you worked hard. But your audience is here for insights, not your life story. Personal experiences can absolutely hook the crowd and build some relatability, but only if you know how to make it connect with your topic. So please, for the love of PowerPoint, stop rambling and get to the point!

2. Get to the Damn Point!

Time is precious, and when you’ve got an audience staring at you (or, let’s be honest, their watches while scrolling through TikTok), don’t waste it. Get to the meat of your topic already! Yhekela ukubala ushukela, as we say in isiZulu—stop counting sugar grains.

Here’s a tip: structure your talk like a good story with a plot, but skip the unnecessary build-up. Give them the juicy stuff right up front! Your audience will thank you (and hey, they might even remember your name afterward).

3. Moderators and hosts: Speak less and you will be surprised

If you’ve ever tuned into my podcasts, you’ll notice something: I barely speak. And when I do, it’s short and sharp. As a moderator or host, your mission is to mine for gold from your guests. The trick? Speak less. Keep the spotlight on them. When you do jump in, don’t waste it on the usual “What inspired you to...?” nonsense. Dig deeper! Ask the bold, unexpected questions no one sees coming.

Sometimes a random, offbeat question can uncover a side of your guest no one expected. That’s where the magic happens—and trust me, audiences live for those moments of surprise.

4. Read the Room and know your audience

This one’s key! Your job as a speaker isn’t just to talk—it's to read the room. If everyone’s looking like they’re about to slip into a coma, it’s time to shake things up! Heads nodding? Cool, you’re onto something—go deeper on that point. Presenting isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how your audience is reacting. Don’t be a robot—engage! Crack a joke, drop a quick story, ask a question, or start with something fun to wake them up. Keep it dynamic, and you’ll keep them hooked.

And for heaven’s sake, tailor your content! A few weeks ago, some poor guy at a youth financial seminar tried to explain the two-pot retirement system to first-year students. Saving towards retirement is important but Broer, they’re barely making it through Uni—retirement is the last thing on their minds!

5. Want to Stand Out? Do Your Homework!

If you want to be remembered as more than just another talking head, do your research. Know your topic inside out and bring some fresh, juicy perspectives to the table. You’re not just there to fill time; you’re there to drop knowledge bombs and add real value. The deeper you dig, the more confident you’ll be—and trust me, confidence isn’t something you can fake. When you know your stuff, it shows, and your delivery will be on point!

Presenting is an art, and like any art, it takes practice, preparation, and a bit of flair. Keep it concise, make it relevant, and don’t be afraid to show some personality. If you can do that, your audience will thank you—and you’ll never have to endure the awkward silence of a disengaged crowd.

And remember, next time you’re in front of an audience: talk less about yourself, and more about what they came for.