9 Public Speaking Tricks for PR Pros
Let's be honest. That moment before you stand up to speak, whether it's in a boardroom, at a podium, or on a live broadcast, can be nerve-wracking. The room is quiet, all eyes are on you, and the pressure is on to deliver.
But what if you could transform that pressure into presence?
I strongly believe that powerful public speaking isn't about being slick or memorizing a perfect script. It's about connection. It's about making your ideas stick. Over the years, I’ve worked with different executives and spokespeople, and now I’ve boiled it down to a few core strategies that really work.
Here are nine of my favorites.
Start Strong and Keep Them Leaning In
You’ve got about 10 seconds to convince people you're worth listening to. Don't waste them with "Hi, my name is..." or "Thanks for having me." Hit them with a 10-Second Hook. Start with a shocking statistic, a tiny, intriguing story, or a bold claim that makes them sit up and think. Win the first few moments, and the rest gets much easier.
Once you have their attention, hold it with a story. We’re wired to love stories, but we're also busy. Stick to the 2-Minute Story Rule. A rambling tale will lose the room, guaranteed. Keep your anecdotes tight at 120 seconds max. Make your point, and move on.
And if you really want to create intrigue, use the Suspense Setup. Instead of just giving them the answer, frame the problem first. Make them want the solution before you provide it. It turns passive listening into active curiosity.
Make Your Message Impossible to Forget
This next one might feel backward, but it’s a real turning point: Punchline First. Don't bury your main point at the end of a long explanation. State your key finding or conclusion right up front. Then, use the rest of your time to explain how you got there. It’s how journalists write for a reason, it respects the audience's time and ensures your core message is delivered effectively.
And a simple cheat code for the human brain? The Rule of Three. Three ideas. Three benefits. Three steps. Things grouped in threes are just more satisfying and easier to remember. Use this to structure your key messages, and they’ll have a much better chance of sticking.
To make sure it sinks in, use The Echo Effect and The Contrast Trick. When a point is absolutely non-negotiable, say it, pause for a beat, and then say it again. That echo gives it weight. And to make your idea shine, put it next to another. "Most companies do this... but here's what we do instead." The contrast makes your position instantly clearer and more powerful.
Mastering the Unspoken
Sometimes, the most powerful tool in your arsenal is silence. It can feel awkward, but a well-timed Power Pause after a key statement is magnetic. It pulls the audience in and gives your words room to breathe. It also shows you're calm and in total control.
Finally, here's the ultimate confidence check: The Chair Test. Ask yourself, "If my PowerPoint crashed right now, could I still hold this room?" Great speakers don't need slides as support. Your delivery, your passion, and the strength of your ideas should be enough. If you can pass The Chair Test, you're not just a presenter, you're a true communicator.
To conclude - data makes people think, but emotion makes them act. When it comes to truly effective communication, logic will only get you so far. To really influence an audience, whether it's one client or a thousand conference attendees, you have to connect on an emotional level.
Ready to stop just presenting and start connecting? Let's talk.