When you're giving a speech, you have to walk a fine line. You want to convince your audience that you know what you're talking about, and are an expert in your field. On the other hand, if you give the impression of being an arrogant know-it-all, then you can turn off your audience, and undermine the effectiveness of your speech. The solution for this lies in humility, an important tool to use in your public speaking.
The importance of humility
People like others that they can relate to. When you display a humble attitude during your presentation, it makes it easier for other people to relate to you, and like you. When the audience feels that connection, they are more likely to be responsive to your message.
The opposite of humility is arrogance. Speakers who go on and on about how smart, strong, and capable they are, or the great things they have achieved, face the risk of losing touch with their audience. If you make it seem that you are somehow superior to all those people sitting in the audience, then that can turn them against you. Nobody likes to hear someone who thinks they are superior to everyone else. Remember that although you may have done great things in your field, they have tremendous knowledge and accomplishments in other fields.
Face it, your audience is the reason you are there. If it was not for the audience, you would not be there on stage to give your speech. It is your job to serve them and provide value to them, and you should be grateful that they are spending their time to hear you talk. Show your gratitude to audience members, and always remember that you are there for them.
How to show success without boasting
In order to establish credibility in your field, it is helpful to talk about some of your successes and achievements. There are a few techniques you can use to do this without falling into the trap of boasting and being self-congratulatory.
· Tell a story - Chances are that your success did not come overnight, or with the snap of your fingers. You had to go face some challenges and struggles along the way, before you were able to achieve the things you did. Tell the story. Explain the steps along the way. Talk about the hard times, the failures you encountered, and the times you nearly gave up. This shows that you are human too, and helps the audience connect with you and your story.
· Use self-deprecating humor - Using humor in your presentations is a skill that takes some practice, but if you can do this effectively, it is a great ice breaker that can loosen up the audience and make them more responsive. If you are able to tell a humorous anecdote or make a joke at your own expense, it brings you down to your audience's level. Get them to laugh, and they'll like you better.
· Thank others - Think of people who won an Oscar. Do they talk about the superb acting job they did, and how their great talent made the movie a success? No, they talk about the other people who helped. They thank everyone else who was involved with the project, and who supported them along the way.
Strive for authenticity
For your message to resonate, your audience must believe you. For that to happen, you have to be authentic. Don't try to be something you're not. Be yourself, and express your own personality on stage. You need to believe in your message and in yourself, and then the audience will, too. Here are some more guidelines to take into account:
· Talk about your natural qualities
· Showcase a unique personality
· Don’t try to say the most perfect things - allow your audience to relate to your mistakes
· It’s ok to be nervous
A career in public speaking can’t be achieved overnight. Nevertheless, if you have something to say to the world that’s worth listening, then you might have a shot. Conference speakers can help you break the ice. As experts, they can teach you the art of speaking in public and keeping an audience engaged, so they’re definitely worth checking out.
The importance of humility
People like others that they can relate to. When you display a humble attitude during your presentation, it makes it easier for other people to relate to you, and like you. When the audience feels that connection, they are more likely to be responsive to your message.
The opposite of humility is arrogance. Speakers who go on and on about how smart, strong, and capable they are, or the great things they have achieved, face the risk of losing touch with their audience. If you make it seem that you are somehow superior to all those people sitting in the audience, then that can turn them against you. Nobody likes to hear someone who thinks they are superior to everyone else. Remember that although you may have done great things in your field, they have tremendous knowledge and accomplishments in other fields.
Face it, your audience is the reason you are there. If it was not for the audience, you would not be there on stage to give your speech. It is your job to serve them and provide value to them, and you should be grateful that they are spending their time to hear you talk. Show your gratitude to audience members, and always remember that you are there for them.
How to show success without boasting
In order to establish credibility in your field, it is helpful to talk about some of your successes and achievements. There are a few techniques you can use to do this without falling into the trap of boasting and being self-congratulatory.
· Tell a story - Chances are that your success did not come overnight, or with the snap of your fingers. You had to go face some challenges and struggles along the way, before you were able to achieve the things you did. Tell the story. Explain the steps along the way. Talk about the hard times, the failures you encountered, and the times you nearly gave up. This shows that you are human too, and helps the audience connect with you and your story.
· Use self-deprecating humor - Using humor in your presentations is a skill that takes some practice, but if you can do this effectively, it is a great ice breaker that can loosen up the audience and make them more responsive. If you are able to tell a humorous anecdote or make a joke at your own expense, it brings you down to your audience's level. Get them to laugh, and they'll like you better.
· Thank others - Think of people who won an Oscar. Do they talk about the superb acting job they did, and how their great talent made the movie a success? No, they talk about the other people who helped. They thank everyone else who was involved with the project, and who supported them along the way.
Strive for authenticity
For your message to resonate, your audience must believe you. For that to happen, you have to be authentic. Don't try to be something you're not. Be yourself, and express your own personality on stage. You need to believe in your message and in yourself, and then the audience will, too. Here are some more guidelines to take into account:
· Talk about your natural qualities
· Showcase a unique personality
· Don’t try to say the most perfect things - allow your audience to relate to your mistakes
· It’s ok to be nervous
A career in public speaking can’t be achieved overnight. Nevertheless, if you have something to say to the world that’s worth listening, then you might have a shot. Conference speakers can help you break the ice. As experts, they can teach you the art of speaking in public and keeping an audience engaged, so they’re definitely worth checking out.