Part of your success in public speaking comes from your ability to project command presence. Typically this is a combination of posture, facial expression, eye contact, and content that draws the audience's attention, and sends the message that you are comfortable and confident. Obviously, that's a lot of elements to have working together.
So here are two easy-to-implement techniques that add to command presence.
First, savor the lull before the speech. By lull I mean the time beginning when your introducer stops talking and ends when you say your first word. Most speakers rush to start.
Instead, walk to the lectern (or wherever you will be standing when you begin). Put down your written speech or any notes you have. When the papers are in order, look up and look directly at one person. Smile. Shift your eyes to another person, hold briefly and begin saying your first line to that person. About three seconds will have elapsed from when you first looked up until you begin to speak.
This allow the audience to settle and to focus on you. It allows you to connect with the audience through your eyes before you say a word. And it shows you are comfortable with silence. Unsure speakers are not.
Second, savor the applause. After you say the last word of your speech, keep eye contact for an additional 2 seconds with the person you are looking at. Then break eye contact, switch your view to the middle of the audience and say, "Thank you!" (or some variation on the theme: "It's been great being with you." "Have a great conference!" et cetera.) or "I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have."
Once again, this demonstrates comfort and control. It also reinforces that you have enjoyed being with the group. Many speakers look like they are fleeing a crime scene.
We'll take a look at other elements of command presence in future posts. If you have any questions about command presence, I'd love to hear them. Click on the Comments link below.
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