Megan L Reilly

All the audio and tech editing cannot overcome an inauthentic speaker. The audio and tech side should come much later in a speaker's journey and after the message, credibility and proof of value has been created. Many people think the bells and whistles create credibility, but audiences can instantly see through the lights and cameras. A strong message is the ultimate tool!

People love to hear their own name. If I am presenting online then I love to be able to see people's names on the screen and refer to people and use their names when applicable while presenting. Hearing your name instantly engages someone and even hearing other's names will keep people on message since they may hear their name later too! This makes is all more personal.

Be in the moment when you are on stage and take note on the audience's interest when you speak. When a speaker is engaged with the audience reaction then they can easily see if people are engaged, listening or writing notes. If the audience is engaged then that should be a sign to the speaker that her message is landing. If the audience seems bored then the speaker should reflect on ways to increase interest. Also, if audiences seem uninterested then it is a clear sign that some coaching and work should be done to become more engaging on stage.

I always start my speeches with a "before I get started" funny story that is relative to the current scenario. I want to find a way to connect with the audience as just a human before "Megan the speaker". I find it is a great way to build rapport specifically with what I discuss.

People connect with authenticity. That means whoever the speaker is naturally is what will connect with people. Whether you are a reserved expert, a financial wizard or a holistic guru...showing up as yourself will engage any audience. A speaker should never be playing a part, but instead speaking from their authentic experience.

I bring the audience with me through the pain I experienced so that they aren't just hearing a story, but they feel the same pain that I felt. That pain ended up helping me so much later in life and my hope is that they can feel the lesson I felt through the course of this story and gain the insights without having to actually go through it. The story that creates the tension is the most commented on after my speech almost every time. The tension, pain and lesson stands out because of how I present it and because it is a contrast to much of the rest of my talk which is lighter and funnier.