Think about your last speech.  How many times did you use the words "I", "you', "we", "me" or "myself".  Which did you use most? 

How much did you talk about people, and how much about ideas?  Did you list the facts, or did you tell a story?

It's easy to fall into the trap of being "serious", especially when talking about a dry topic. But even speaking about tax or regulatory compliance, or reporting the results of scientific research can be made more engaging for your audience if you make it personal, by relating it to your own thoughts and feelings, and connecting with the feelings and experiences of the audience.

Review your speech.  First off, check how much you use the words "I/me/myself"?   Not at all?  Then it may be time to make it personal, and talk about why you relate to your  topic, why you care about it, why you are emotionally engaged with it.  For your audience to care and connect with what you say, you have to care about it first. 

For next week's tip I'll be looking at the I/You balance, and why using the words "you" or "we" can help connect better with your audience.

If you like these tips, please feel free to forward to a friend. 

Today on the Help for Speakers Q and A @ 1pm NZST we'll talk about humour, stories, and other speaking or marketing related area you'd like to discuss.  Join me by ringing 0800 449 288, and entering the guest code 54052101#.

For more speaker tips and ideas visit www.HelpforSpeakers.com. 

To talk to Rachel about coaching, speech-development or training ring +64 3 355 6269, e-mail rachel@HelpforSpeakers.com.

Join the Help for Speakers weekly Q and A session every Wednesday from 1.00-1.30pm NZT (that's 11.00-11.30 Australian EST).   Ring in if you have a question, need inspiration or ideas for an upcoming presentation, or want to talk about speaking as a way to get business.   From New Zealand call 0800 449 288, from Australia call 1800 036 0901, and then enter the Guest Access Code 54052101#. If you want to call in from the US, e-mail me and I'll sort out the calling line (the time is 6pm Tuesday Pacific Time, 9pm EST).  If you wan to ring from the UK, e-mail me, and I'll find a time to talk when we are both awake.