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Many speakers are too afraid to shock or stand out, which is why their efforts usually result in a vague and easily forgettable speech or presentation. But there is another way. Here are some tips on how to differentiate yourself as a speaker, come up with something original and (in a positive sense) engage your audience.
Entrepreneur.com advises that while it is good to come up with something original, you should not abandon your own authenticity. This is the only way you can win over your audience. For example, if you are introverted by nature, don't try to come across as overly extroverted; instead, use your introversion to your advantage as something original.
Find something in which your presentation will be original and unexpected. This might be something about the format or the way it is presented, something in its structure or in its content. But it should always be primarily about one thing: if you try to be original on too many fronts and go too far against the audience's expectations, your presentation will probably be hard to understand and digest, and simply too much for the audience.
Luck favours the prepared. This is doubly true for presentations and public speeches. Forget about the fact that someone might be annoyed that you do not speak from memory. No one has ever said: "His speech seemed to be too well prepared."
In order to avoid failure, you should prepare for alternative scenarios to the ideal ones, including the downright catastrophic. What if the microphone or the projector fails; what if someone in the audience does not like your jokes or asks an unexpected question you will be unable to answer? The better prepared you are for all possible situations, the better equipped you will be to face them when, God forbid, they actually arise.
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