The Importance of Eye contact in Public Speaking

In order to effectively undertake the tricky task of public speaking, there are many factors you have to work on, but one of the most essential tools you can use is that of eye contact. Your eye contact can make or break your speech, and by using it in a positive way you can keep your audience more involved and interested in what you have to say.

Think of it this way – you are attending two speeches in the day, both about the same topics. The first speaker fails to make eye contact with the audience, his eyes are often darting all over the place, with no real strong looks towards the audience. The second speaker always makes sure his eyes are up. He makes eye contact with various members of the audience and keeps his eye contact strong and steady at all time. Which person do you think has the most effective public speaking skills? The second speaker of course. By using eye contact he is keeping the audience interested in what he is saying. Making eye contact with people creates a bond between speaker and audience. Whereas by making your eyes wander all over the place as the first speaker did, you may come across as being nervous and having a lack of confidence.

By looking at your audience you can also keep note of their reactions to your speech. Once you realize what parts they like, you can build on those areas and use tools you know they will like and react to. This will also let you know if your message is being heard.

In order to have effective presentation skills and ensure you message is really being received by your audience then you must maintain good eye-contact. By doing this you create a rapport with the audience as well as establishing trust and credibility. It’s also a way of saying ‘thanks’ to your audience for taking the time to listen to what you have to say. After all no one wants to listen to a speech by someone who looks like they don’t want to be there or are not interested in what they are saying.

By maintaining eye contact with the audience you will also help rid yourself of any public speaking fears you may have. It will make you feel more sure of yourself and boost your confidence, helping improve your speech making skills and have you talking publicly like a professional in not time.

9 Tips To Keep Your Audience In Attention

In almost all gatherings (conventions, alumni homecomings, commencement exercises, fund raising or awarding ceremonies), guest speakers are usually invited to highlight the occasion.

To make the gathering memorable, guest speakers are selected for a certain reason, some according to their popularity and accomplishments.

As much as possible, the speaker’s profession or line of achievement must be in some way related to the occasion.

Let’s say the occasion is a convention of home developers. The likely guest speaker to grace it could be a famous housing czar well known and respected by the city and state.

To impart a lasting impression to the audience, a speaker must find ways to keep the attention glued to his speech.

If it so happens that you are the invited guest speaker of a gathering, the suggestions below may help to keep your audience listening instead of walking around or doing something else.

1. Speak in a clear, crisp, comprehensible voice with an enthusiastic tone. Avoid mumbling. Try not to eat the words as if there’s a gum in your mouth.

2. Your speech should be in consonance with the aim of the gathering, touching on issues relevant to its objective and applicable to current needs for the benefit of the majority.

3. More speakers prepare a list of the issues they want to touch on instead of a speech prepared and read (or memorized) word for word. A spontaneous speech aligned on the ideas prepared or written on the list is projected more naturally.

4. Inject humor into your speech to keep the audience attentive and waiting for more. Studies reveal that, when humor is involved, audiences find the speaker interesting to listen to. But be aware not to go beyond the line of humor because this may unintentionally embarrass others or be misunderstood by them. This might raise comments that criticize your speech. Try your best to avoid criticism.

5. When you raise an issue, one of the best ways to project it is by citing instances or examples. Correlate the example and the issue clearly.

6. Suppose the gathering was organized to save an industry or boost the morale of those that will be directly and indirectly affected by it. Try your best to deliver an inspiring speech. A speech filled with positive thoughts, like projecting a bright tomorrow, can turn a depressive mood into an enthusiastic one. If you are well versed on the industry with a solution to offer to suppress its downtrend, then say it.

7. Audience participation may seem to turn your speech into a discussion, but it is one way to confirm effectiveness of what you are saying or offering.

8. Image how the industry will look like 5 or 10 years from now on a positive flight. Be specific and realistic in your projection. If hard work is called for, say so.

9. Leave a lasting, meaningful message as you wrap up your speech.

A speech that leaves the audience thinking long after the speech has been made will also leave the audience remembering the speaker for a long time.