Public Speaking & Media Interviews: Projecting Command Presence Part 2--Three Core Beliefs

What is it about a speaker that compels the audience to listen? That gives the speaker the ability to capture and hold the audience's attention and respect? Answer: Command Presence.

Command Presence comprises many things. Some are delivery methods and tricks, some are core beliefs, some evolve from experience. In Part 1 we looked at two delivery techniques that work for public speaking. Both are simple to do and easy to learn. But techniques work best when they are grounded by core beliefs.

Here are 3 of the most essential core beliefs for projecting command presence in

any communication situation.

1. Believe in what you are saying. Lack of conviction will shine through like a beacon of despair. If you don't believe in what you're saying, why should the audience?
   Conversely, the stronger your feelings, the more passionate and convincing your delivery will be.
   
   Attention Spokespersons! Sometimes, you will be placed in situations where you have to make statements or promote policies you don't necessarily support. I'll suggest techniques for dealing with such conflicts in a later post.
   
   
2. Believe what you have to say will benefit your audience. Well before the event (and before you prepare your remarks) get a picture of who will be in the audience. What are their concerns and interests? How will your remarks answer the main question every listener is asking: What Here Applies to Me?
   
   
3. Believe you can connect with the audience and keep them engaged. This is a mindset issue--a belief not only in what you are saying and its value to the audience, but also in yourself and your ability to carry your audience. Some of this comes from positive experiences. Knowing you have done it in the past makes it easier to expect you will be able to do it again.
   
   This can also be conditioned through coaching and rehearsal. Your coach will know what you need to do to project command presence, and can anchor those skills while you're rehearsing.
   
   You'll notice these 3 core beliefs are mutually inclusive. You'll have the greatest impact on your audience when you believe what you're saying, believe what you're saying is helpful to them, and have the confidence you know how to draw the audience in and keep them engaged.