What makes someone a compelling speaker? How does someone connect with an audience who did not get enough sleep the night before, forgot to eat breakfast that morning, and have a math assessment in 30 minutes? Speaking in front of an audience of teenagers is certainly not easy, especially given their minuscule attention spans and diverse areas of interest. Whether you’re in the Lewis Family Auditorium or any other venue, here are some helpful tips for the next time you are planning to speak in front of a crowd:  

Know your audience. 

Let’s face it. An assembly full of teenagers will not likely connect with a speaker giving a lecture without adding extra incentives for the students to pay attention. If you are talking to teenagers about an important topic, give them scenarios that feel relatable to them, and cater your language and tone to what a teenager could engage with. Consider telling a joke about relevant school news, pop culture, or the latest social media scandals. On the other hand, a presentation to a room full of adults might include jokes relating to life with kids, or about the stresses of working. Once you understand who your audience is, you’ll find you must shift the way you approach speaking to them.  

Use inflection to avoid monotony.  

We’ve all been on the receiving end of monotone lectures, desperately fighting the urge to fall asleep. It happens. But when a speaker uses an inviting tone and does not remain monotone, the audience feels more inclined to listen to their words. People often feel more comfortable with people they can relate to, and a warm tone can help achieve that relatability. So, what is a warm and inviting tone? Usually, this means being friendly, smiling at people, and using inflection. Emphasize some words over others; vary your tone. Adding inflection to your phrases can help prevent monotony, convey your overall message, and keep your audience engaged. 

Engage with the audience.  

Don’t you love it when you’re in an audience and it feels like you’re actually involved in the presentation? Including your audience in your presentation, whether it be through a Q&A format (e.g. Winston Scott’s assembly), using a student to demonstrate an example (e.g. the consent and  “Can I kiss you” assembly), or throwing small gifts for the audience to catch (e.g. the Lunar New Year assembly) will make your presentation feel dynamic and memorable, ultimately making it more likely that your audience will absorb your message. And physically involving your audience in a presentation is not the only way to connect with them. When in doubt, make eye contact and smile! A sunny disposition can go a long way.  

Dress for the occasion.  

The way a person presents themselves can influence the way they are perceived. These are ideas that both public speaking and drama classes address. For example, someone who buttons up all the buttons on their collared shirt may be perceived as uptight, while someone who leaves all the buttons unbuttoned may be perceived as nonchalant, and someone who buttons them halfway may fall somewhere in the middle. To ensure your outfit will give the right impression, ask a trusted family member or friend for their input, or search for “business casual outfits” on the internet for inspiration.  

Another aspect of your self-presentation to consider is your posture and stance. You could be incredibly confident, but if they are slumping their shoulders, pacing back and forth, and avoiding eye contact with others, they will most likely be perceived as nervous and unsure of themselves. Physical presentation has nothing to do with a person’s personal looks, but it has everything to do with how they present themselves to others. Tips for making yourself feel more comfortable in a presentation might include preparing as much as possible beforehand, practicing your speech in front of others, and keeping note cards with you in case you forget any of your key ideas. When presenting, stand with your knees slightly bent (if you keep your knees locked in one place for too long, you could faint!), keep your shoulders back (for upright posture), and keep your feet planted (so you don’t distract your audience by pacing).  

Use these tips for your next presentation and enjoy feeling more confident in yourself and your public speaking skills!