Developing a Strong Voice: How to Command Attention and Respect

Whether you are contributing to a team meeting, presenting in a board meeting, or delivering a conference keynote, you are seen as a leader the moment you step up to speak. So, how do you assume that role as a speaker? How can you speak in a way so that others listen? There are many ways speakers can elevate their vocal presence in a way that makes them sound self-assured and successful. There are both verbal and nonverbal communication cues that can help you command attention and earn the respect of your audience. Let’s take a look at some of these ways you can strengthen your position as a speaker and captivate your audience. 

Display Confidence and Control

Confidence is the single most important quality of a great speaker. People will be willing to believe what you say and buy into your vision if they simply see you as confident. Confidence comes with a great deal of practice, preparation, and positive self-talk. After all, you have to believe in yourself before you can get others to believe in you. So, even if you are nervous about speaking in front of an audience, practice broadcasting confidence because that’s the best way to win over an audience. 

Have a Strong Opening and Closing

The most important parts of your talk are the opening and the conclusion. You have just a matter of minutes to captivate your audience and chances are, if you engage them right from the start, the rest of your presentation will be a success. Likewise, if you close your speech with something meaningful, your audience will respect and remember you. Think of these as the bookends to a commanding presentation. 

Exude Confidence Through Your Body Language

As stated before, confident people command attention and there are certain physical actions you can take to influence others and get them to respect you. By modifying your body language, you can alter how others perceive you both consciously and subconsciously. Merely acting confident will make others view you as self-assured. Start by standing with good posture and your shoulders back. Avoid pacing back and forth but rather stay still, making only small movements to emphasize your points. Avoid fidgeting with your hands and instead, use your hands to emphasize important points and engage your audience. Finally, make eye contact with your audience , as this helps you connect with them and demonstrates confidence and control. 

Speak with a Voice of Authority

Your voice is a powerful tool and you can really impact your audience with your voice. Learn how to use inflection, tone, and volume to influence your audience. A speaker that is meek and mild will come across as nervous and not nearly as credible as someone who speaks loudly, clearly, and with inflection. 

Show Your Passion

There are few things that command an audience’s attention as much as a speaker’s passion. It’s difficult for people not to respect someone who is speaking from their heart and soul. If you speak just normally, people will lose interest but if you speak with passion, your audience will not only listen, but remember.

If you are interested in learning more, contact us today at 1-800-501-1245 to request information about training courses from the Management Training Institute as well as other corporate training programs offered through our parent company Bold New Directions.