You can't expect to capture the attention of your listeners if they're sleepy or sluggish.If possible, choose a time mid-to-late morning when your audience is most likely to be alert and receptive. It's also vital to speak in a well-lit room, as dim lighting leads to drowsiness and mental fog.

Rule 6: Choose the right time and place

Next, you'll build a fence around your idea in a way that distinguishes it from other ideas (and helps your audience avoid confusion).For example, you might acknowledge that there are similar products to yours on the market, but yours is unique because of x, y, and z.

Rule 3: Build a fence

The medium(s) you use to present your ideas play a major role in how engaged your listeners become -- and how much information they retain.When teaching or informing, using some type of board is preferable, because the speed you write on a board is approximately the same speed that your listeners can absorb ideas. Watching someone write also activates the brain's "mirror neurons," which increases the chances of your audience remembering your main points.

Rule 7: Use boards, props, and slides

When you start to speak you need to grab (and keep) your audience's attention.An empowerment promise is a simple statement that clearly explains what the audience can learn from you and why they should care. Use an empowerment promise to explain to your listeners exactly what you can teach them, how they will benefit, and why it's important.

Rule 1: Offer an empowerment promise

Once you've captured the attention of your audience, you need to keep it as you build a strong argument for your main point.The first way to do that is through cycling. You'll circle back to your main point at least three times during your presentation, using repetition for emphasis. At any given moment, about 20 percent of you will be fogged out no matter what the [topic]. So, if you want to ensure that the probability that everybody gets it is high, you need to say it three times.

Rule 2: Cycle the subject

No matter how skilled a speaker you are, it's inevitable that some of your audience members' minds will start to wanderGving a brief summary of what you've covered so far, invites the audience to refocus on your presentation. Do this every 5-10 minutes to ensure everybody stays with you.

Rule 4: Use verbal punctuation

Another way to help your audience "get back on the bus" is to ask a question.Avoid asking a question that's so simple someone would be embarrassed to answer it. At the same time, you should also avoid asking a question so difficult that no one will be brave enough to answer it.

Rule 5: Ask a question

The most effective communicators know that simply conveying information isn't enough. They also need to inspire their audience to take action.People feel most inspired when they witness someone who's passionate about what they're doing. In other words, your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) is contagious to your listeners.Whether you're talking about an innovative idea, a new product, or groundbreaking research, be enthusiastic.

Rule 8: Inform and inspire

You have no more than five minutes to convince the listener that your ideas are worthy of their time and attention.Compelling storytelling not only drives home the main points but also persuades and convinces your audience that you've done something worthy of their consideration.Remember: Facts and figures win minds, but stories win hearts.

Rule 9: Facts and figures help, but persuade with stories

Your introduction and the way you build your argument are important, but your audience is more likely to remember your conclusion than any other part of your speech.For that reason, it is recommended that after you summarize your take, you salute the audience -- that is, you tell the audience how much you value their time and attention and what it says about them.

Rule 10: How to conclude: Salute the audience

Your success in life depends on your ability to speak, your ability to write, and the quality of your ideas -- in that order. No matter how amazing your ideas are, no one cares unless you can convey them in a clear, compelling manner -- and with emotional intelligence. To become a highly skilled communicator, whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader, these 10 rules will help you 