<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Although this is a hard habit to break, avoid using "filler" words when you speak. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Train yourself to be comfortable with pausing when necessary. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">It will make you appear more competent and comfortable, which makes it more likely for your audience to pay attention.</li></ul>

7. Avoid "umm's" and "uhh's".

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">I don't mean to alarm you, but in my experience, audiences tend to be more alert to a speaker's flaws than their strengths. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">If you come across as boring or arrogant, the audience will likely discard your talk immediately, even if it's actually good.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Be humble, friendly and engaging. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">If the audience can relate to you, they will be far more inclined to listen to you.</li></ul>

9. Be likable.

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">You shouldn't read off anything during your talk, even small flash cards. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">It lowers the quality of your talk. There is just a different feel when a speaker genuinely understands his talk and delivers it as if it's a regular conversation.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You have to structure your talk in a way where each sentence reminds you of the one after, so that even if you were to talk without preparation, you would still follow the same order.</li></ul>

8. Don't memorize your talk, understand it

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">I concluded my talk with a story that led to a quote, "Life is good." </li><li class="ql-align-justify">The audience might not remember my story, but they will definitely remember how it ended!</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Remember, a great speaker embraces imperfections and performs regardless. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Practice, get comfortable and never lose sight of the purpose of your talk.</li></ul>

Conclusion 

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">I understand how long one-second pauses can feel on stage; however, maintaining a slow pace and pausing at the right moments can significantly enhance your talk.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Another speaker that night even had a habit of counting to five in her head before she begins her next sentence.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Retaining information while <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/10-proven-ways-to-learn-faster/323450">listening to someone</a> is not easy, especially given the declining attention spans among younger generations. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">You must give your audience a chance to process your statements before you move on.</li></ul>

4. Power pause

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">We live in a time where it is easier than ever to find information on any topic you desire. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Your audience will not want to listen to you for 10 minutes to save them the hassle of a Google search. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Base your talk on your personal experiences and provide a unique angle.</li></ul>

5. Talk about personal experiences

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">As a speaker, it's natural to want to include as much as possible in your talk to increase its value.However, this is a terrible mistake. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">With each section, imagine if you could only use one sentence to convey the point; focus on that and eliminate the rest.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You would only get the audience's attention for a short while, so you should cut to the chase.</li></ul>

2. The more is NOT the merrier

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The start of a sentence is arguably the hardest part. Raising your voice after a pause that felt like an eternity is no joke. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">However, we all know that you should start your sentences with a strong tone to engage the audience.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What many ignore is how they finish their sentences. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Ending your sentences with a firm tone will make your talk considerably more memorable.</li></ul>

3. Don't eat your words at the end of a sentence

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">You may be the speaker, but your body language does the talking for you as a person. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Learn the art of engaging your audience with gestures, movements and facial expressions.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">For example, slouching, having crossed arms, negative facial expressions and avoiding eye contact can hurt the audience and lower your credibility in their eyes.</li></ul>

6. Perfect your body language

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Speakers often use their slides to drive attention away from themselves to ease the pressure. Don't do that. </li><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/growth-strategies/how-to-give-an-awesome-presentation-with-visual-aids/341612">Visual aids</a> make the talk more engaging, but people come to watch you, not your Canva slides.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You should only include what is necessary to make the audience follow what you're saying. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Don't include sentences</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use graphics to enhance the experience, make it visually appealing, and</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not write paragraphs!</li></ul>

1. Don't overload your slides

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">People have <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/why-storytelling-is-a-skill-that-every-entrepreneur-should/364524">narrow attention spans</a>. They will probably not remember much of your talk. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">So, use strong statements that provide a takeaway from your talk, even if the supporting sentences aren't present.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">For instance, I structured my TED talk around ten principles I implement daily to give myself direction. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Even if people spent the duration of my talk on their phones, likely, they would still remember the one-liners I used for each principle. </li></ul>

10. Use strong statements

Important tips to be mindful of when delivering a public talk

Master the art of public speaking to engage, captivate and leave a lasting impression on your audience.