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**Engaging Your Audience: Tips and Strategies from Presenting Pro David Dorrier**
If you’ve ever been tasked with giving a presentation, you know how daunting it can be to keep your audience engaged and interested. Lucky for us, David Dorrier, founder of Present Your Way to Success, has some great tips and strategies to make your next presentation a hit.
First and foremost, David stresses the importance of creating an opening that immediately connects with the audience. Instead of diving into technical details or irrelevant topics, David suggests opening with a relevant question that will make the audience lean in and pay attention. For example, if you’re giving a presentation on roofing, ask how many people in the audience have a roof and how many have not replaced it in the last 20-30 years. This makes the topic more relevant and engaging for the audience.
David also emphasizes the importance of vocal variety and non-verbal communication in engaging an audience. He notes that 93% of our message comes from non-verbals, including vocal variety, eye contact, and body language. By getting excited about your business and projecting your voice, you can keep the audience engaged and interested.
But what about virtual presentations? David suggests maintaining eye contact with the camera and using visuals instead of text-heavy slides. He also emphasizes the need to know your audience and make your message relevant to them, as well as the importance of having a clear conclusion and summarizing your key points.
When it comes to transitions between different points in a presentation, David suggests breaking down the presentation into small chunks and incorporating audience engagement through questions and reviews. He also emphasizes the importance of challenging the audience and keeping them engaged throughout the presentation, rather than waiting until the end to ask questions.
But perhaps the most important takeaway from David’s tips and strategies is the importance of finding every speaking opportunity possible to improve one’s skills and build confidence on stage. Whether it be taking improv or acting classes or getting involved in community theater, there are always ways to improve your stage presence and engage your audience.
So next time you’re tasked with giving a presentation, remember these tips and strategies from David Dorrier. And if you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out to him through LinkedIn or his website, presentyourwaytosuccess.com. Happy presenting!