The statement “enthusiasm is infectious, and boredom is contagious” addresses the crucial aspect of any presenter’s work. Indeed, how they perceive the information they share, how strongly they want to receive feedback, and the positive outcome determines how they behave. If the presenter thinks that their subject is boring or assumes that the audience will perceive it as uninteresting, it will affect their manner of speech. Consequently, if a presentation lacks enthusiasm and is boring, no one would find it engaging and worth the attention. To avoid being a tedious speaker, it is vital to identify the most exciting aspects or details and emphasize them throughout the speech (Hennessey, 2019). Another workable strategy is to maintain the audience engagement by asking them questions or tying the subject to the general topics that are thought-provoking for everyone (Hennessey, 2019). Lastly, the presenter needs to have a scenario to follow and control the tone of their voice, which must remain confident and steady.
Multimedia presentation software today offers unlimited options to customize the materials and add video, sounds, and infographics to enrich a speech on any subject. However, innovations also can obscure the figure of the presenter, who must avoid having their thunder stolen. The workable strategy is to use the first and the last minutes of the presentation for speaking without a multimedia accommodation (Hennessey, 2019). Another tactic is to maintain a loud and steady voice, which will keep the audience’s attention on a presenter’s figure. Lastly, a speaker can break the presentation with unexpected communication with people in the room by asking them questions or interacting by sharing a quick and relevant story.
Stage fright is a significant problem faced by many presenters regardless of their professionalism. Many effective techniques exist for reducing it, and using them before and during a speech can help eliminate the situation and make a person act more confident during their next public appearance. For instance, remembering that the presenter is the expert on the topic compared to the audience is helpful. Moreover, selecting one person in the middle or back raw and focusing attention on them is workable because pretending that a subject is explained to only one individual reduces stress (Hennessey, 2019). Visualizing the positive outcome of the presentation before the speech is also beneficial to maintaining self-confidence.
Reference
Hennessey, A. (2019). Your guide to public speaking: Build your confidence, find your voice, and inspire your audience. Simon and Schuster.