18 Proven Tips for Marketing and Comms Pros to Shine on Stage
Speaking engagements are golden opportunities for marketing and communications professionals to showcase their expertise, build credibility, and connect with key audiences. Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight for a conference keynote, a panel discussion, or a virtual webinar, a powerful presentation can elevate your personal brand and cement your status as a thought leader in your industry.
However, excelling in a sea of speakers requires more than just experience. It demands a strategic approach, thorough preparation, and a clear message. To help you shine at your next speaking event, here are the top presentation tips from industry leaders of the Forbes Communications Council.
1. Showcase Expertise Through Relatable Stories
You must show, not just tell, your expertise. Being relatable is a key to successful presentations. Share personal stories, including failures and misconceptions; this empathy can resonate with your audience. As Ryan Pirkle from JAKALA notes, sharing vulnerabilities can bolster your credibility.
2. Boost Credibility With Customer Co-Presenters
Invite a satisfied customer to co-present a case study. This adds a layer of storytelling and instantly enhances your credibility. As Stephanie Bunnell from Azira suggests, hearing success stories directly from satisfied clients speaks volumes.
3. Highlight Your Unique Perspective
Authenticity is key. Focus on your strengths, experiences, and lessons learned. Don’t mimic other speakers; bring your unique perspectives to the forefront. Camille Weleschuk from ATB Financial emphasizes that audiences appreciate genuineness.
4. Balance Storytelling with Actionable Takeaways
Combining real-life stories with practical tips keeps your audience engaged. Victoria Zelefsky from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation advocates for providing actionable insights alongside personal anecdotes to establish yourself as an expert.
5. Craft a Cohesive, Cross-Channel Narrative
Your narrative should align across all platforms. Lyric Mandell, PhD, from MOXY Company emphasizes that consistent messaging builds credibility and positions you as a trusted expert.
6. Bring In Others to Enhance Your Own Impact
Make presentations about “we,” not “me.” Invite colleagues or partners to contribute insights. Mike Neumeier from Arketi Group highlights that shared experiences enrich your message and boost engagement.
7. Prioritize Value Over Performance
Focus on delivering value to your audience. Kurt Allen from Notre Dame de Namur University stresses that actionable insights should be your main objective in any presentation.
8. Blend Emotional Connection with Practical Advice
Authenticity builds trust; share personal stories that connect with your audience. Emily Burroughs from BGSF recommends leaving your audience with three actionable takeaways intertwined with emotional storytelling.
9. Use Case Studies to Build Trust and Authority
Engaging your audience with real-world examples builds credibility. Deboshree Sarkar from Titan.ium Platform emphasizes consistent speaking opportunities to establish expertise.
10. Speak on Topics That Ignite Your Passion
Choose subjects you’re truly passionate about; your enthusiasm is contagious. Kathy Sucich from Dimensional Insight believes that genuine interest resonates with the audience.
11. Practice Flexibility Over Perfection
While rehearsing builds confidence, maintain flexibility. Lauren Parr from RepuGen advises that adapting to audience reactions showcases your expertise and depth of knowledge.
12. Spark Conversation by Thinking Differently
Encourage audience engagement by challenging assumptions. Alex Goryachev warns against safe speeches; be bold and innovative to make an impression.
13. Build Your Speaker Brand on Social Platforms
Don’t underestimate your online visibility. Build your personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn, as Kerry-Ann Betton Stimpson from JMMB Group notes—many event organizers look for dynamic speakers through online profiles.
14. Speak with Purpose and Emotional Resonance
Every word matters, especially in high-stakes situations. Toby Wong shares that speaking with intention and emotional depth leaves lasting impressions on audiences.
15. Curate Compelling Panels to Open Doors
Assemble engaging panels and pitch them to conferences. Keith Bendes from Linqia points out that organizers are always looking for captivating topics and speakers.
16. Create a Memorable Framework for Your Insights
Distill your expertise into a practical framework that audiences can remember. JoAnn Yamani from Adeia explains that this approach positions you as a thoughtful authority, increasing your value.
17. Engage in Two-Way Dialogue with Your Audience
Foster a two-way conversation by encouraging questions and feedback. Katie Jewett from UPRAISE believes that this interaction makes presentations more dynamic and resonates deeply.
18. Be Selective to Build a Distinctive Profile
Choose your engagements wisely. Deetricha Younger from Deetricha Younger, LLC emphasizes that being selective helps you build a distinctive speaker profile that highlights your unique expertise.
Elevate your speaking game by implementing these expert tips. Remember, authenticity, emotional connection, and a passion for your subject will set you apart on stage! For more resources, check out the Forbes Communications Council.
