Ten Tips on Speaking with Authority and Power

No matter how good you are as a presenter, there will be times when you need to make sure you exude power and authority. If you are 'the boss' and want to be certain the staff will do your bidding you will need to come across with power and authority. You will also have to come across authoritatively when presenting at a large conference when your competitors will also be present. Equally you will need to be seen as powerful if you are wishing to make a name for yourself within your industry. However, even though you may want power and authority in these settings, you will not wish to appear arrogant or bossy. Using these ten tips you'll achieve the right balance.

1. Think the part!
If you believe you have the power and authority to say what you are saying this will help tremendously. You really need to see yourself as brimming with power, authority and gravitas.

2. Dress the part!
Powerful people wear powerful clothes. They appear smart, even in casual wear. They take care of their appearance and generally look good. Purple and blue are seen as powerful colours by an audience.

3. Speak the part!
Use power language. Don't say 'perhaps' or 'maybe' be certain. Powerful and authoritative people speak with absolute certainty ? even if they are not really sure.

4. Act the part!
When you are on stage stand up straight, look people in the eye and dominate your stage with definite and decisive gestures.

5. Move
Move around your stage. Start off in the centre front and then move so you cover a lot of ground. Static presenters are not seen as authoritative.

6. Create powerful associations.
Link yourself to other powerful and authoritative people by agreeing with what they say. Use quotations if necessary.

7. Be short and sweet
Speak with short sentences and leave pauses for people to absorb what you have said. Long, convoluted language makes you appear unintelligible and therefore you have no power or influence.

8. Have a stunning opening
Start with a dynamic and interesting opening that connects with your audience immediately. Mention them, use a personal anecdote or ask a question.

9. Power pack your ending
Make sure your ending is power-packed. Like a great overture you need to end with a rousing crash! To do this, summarise what you have said and then give your audience an action you need them to take.

10. Stand still at the end
When you have delivered your final words ? stand still, centre stage looking your audience in the eye. Stay there and pause for several seconds before leaving the stage.

Graham Jones runs The Presentation Business at http://www.presentationbiz.com which helps people become great presenters.

---

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More

How to Answer Questions Your Audience Will Ask

In elementary school, most of us asked questions which were... Read More

10 Worst Tips To Give A Speaker

1. Learn the speech by heart or read it from... Read More

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters.... Toastmasters....What is Toastmasters?Is it a bunch of guys in... Read More

Speakers Learn How to Define Your Niche

This is one of the hardest things speakers have to... Read More

A Powerful Vocabulary Will Transform Your Life

Studies show that your word-power determines your earning power, that... Read More

How To Dramatically Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

This Article Is For Those Who Understand How Persuasive Communication,... Read More

The Top 5 Public Speaking Questions Answered

There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More

Fee Credibility is a Must

Think of it like this: your fee credibility is as... Read More

Be a Guest Speaker and Attract Business

Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience... Read More

Boost Your Confidence, Credibility, and Career

There's one skill you can develop that will boost your... Read More

Earn Your Cs as A Speaker

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More

Analyzing Your Audience and Assessing Comprehension Through Feedback

Aside from fielding and asking questions, there are other ways... Read More

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More

7 Sure Fire Ways To Overcome Stage Fright When Speaking Or Performing

Prayer or Meditation: If you're a believer you can pray... Read More

How to be a Great Speaker

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with... Read More

For Speakers: Ten Tips on How to Increase Your Fees

One of the most important tools speakers use is their... Read More

Performance Feedback: Why Were Scared and How Not to Be

Effective communication is not a one-way street. It involves an... Read More

Speech Tips - Ten Things to Remember When Accepting an Award

Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More

How to Promote yourself as a Speaker on the Web

Why use the web for promoting your speaking engagements?Most people... Read More

Ten Fatal Flaws Frequently Found from the Podium

1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More

Speech Training - Building Your Voice, Tips from a Professional

Having a clear and confident voice is an essential business... Read More

Using Your Natural Style On Stage

We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More

Speaking Body Language

I observed an almost surreal event when I was a... Read More

So Youre Going to Make a Speech

What Do I Talk About?Start by asking yourself three questions:1.... Read More

Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More

Fear!

I am terrified of heights. The thought of skydiving, for... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Cool Before Your Presentation

Stretch to relax. Rise on your toes and reach for... Read More

Time Management

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No... Read More

Shortcuts to Eloquence

You have probably had the experience of listening to a... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

Speech Making - Reasons Why People Dont Listen

Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More

Ten Steps to Fearless Public Speaking

There is plenty of dubious material which suggests you can... Read More