Do you know where your audience is throughout your speech? I know, they are out in front of you – at least they’re supposed to be. (few speakers actually have to bar the exits.)
No, I mean where are they on the journey through your presentation or your story? Where are they emotionally? At what point are they surprised, shocked, happy, open, doubting, persuaded, convinced, sold, confused, laughing, etc, etc.
If you know where they are, you’ll know better what to say to them and what to do with them.
You’re not just up there delivering a bunch of info in a linear, logical format. The audience isn’t sitting there, furiously taking notes. They are sorting out what you are saying, questioning some of it, and trying to figure out if they can use it. Some are getting distracted or bored.
Do you have a plan for your audience at the end? Do you have a road map for them to get there? Are you thinking about how each sentences is affecting them?
All these questions help you craft your speech – not just write it.
Les Brown, for instance, gets you laughing (or at least in a good mood) and then slips in what he wants you to learn. “Write this down!” You don’t even notice.
Take time to “craft” your presentation. Your audience won’t even notice that they are noticing.