How To Speak With Energy
I have a saying, "If you don't try too hard how do you know you tried hard enough?"
I can say confidently that I've been a try-hard on stage. I can't think of many times that I underperformed.
I can think of several times when I went too hard!
I can think of many more times when my presentations landed perfectly.
That said, I watch speakers every day that I wish went harder in their presentation. It's the reason I started doing the following training.
In the video, I take Jody Lea through one exercise that allows speakers to experience too little, too much, and just enough.
This is a shortened version of the lesson we talked about in our Facebook group. You can check out the full video here: https://shorturl.at/WN7bs
The point is that we take a line from your speech, or in this case, Jody Lea's notes, and practice doing the line with low energy. Then, we push it to maximum power (which most people can't do as well as Jody does), and finally, we think about our hand gestures, facial gestures, and tonality.
Watch how well the line comes out in the end.
How to raise your energy
People often tell me that they don't have that kind of energy, it's not natural for them.
Well, it wasn't natural for me either. Nothing about public speaking came naturally to me.
The way I made it become natural was to 'perfect practice' speaking exercises.
The easiest way to practice raising your energy is to practice yelling, or at least feel like you are yelling. You have to speak to the back of the room.
When I'm dealing with a quiet speaker I give them a line and I stand 5 feet from them and have them deliver the line. Then I back up 5 feet and have them deliver it again. Then I back up another 5 feet and another 5 feet all while making the speaker shout louder and louder.
You could practice this on your own
Set up your phone on a voice recorder and have your line, say it out loud, back up 5 feet, and back up 5 feet, back and back until you're yelling... or you get back to your phone and can't hear your voice on the replay. That means you have to go louder.
Why is it important?
It is important because when you raise your energy your point gets across, people listen, and you leave a bigger impact with your message.
Do you always want high energy, NO, you want to be able to switch between high and low energy to pace and lead audiences. This is the most effective way to keep audiences engaged and waiting for what is to come next.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, high-energy speakers are perceived as more competent and credible. The study highlights how speakers who exhibit high energy are more likely to persuade and engage their audience effectively.
The Tony Robbins Effect
Take Tony Robbins, for example. Known for his electrifying energy, Robbins doesn't just speak; he performs. His ability to shift his energy keeps his audience on the edge of their seats. Robbins starts his day with intense physical exercise and vocal warm-ups to ensure he has the energy to sustain his dynamic presentations.
Humor to Engage
Imagine you’re at a concert, and the lead singer mumbles through the entire set. How would you feel? Bored, right? The same goes for public speaking. Your energy level can make or break your audience’s experience. So, think of yourself as a rock star every time you step on stage – minus the guitar smashing, unless that’s your thing!
Practical Tips for Raising Your Energy
- Warm-Up Physically: Before your presentation, do some light physical exercises. Jumping jacks, stretching, or even a brisk walk can get your blood pumping and increase your energy levels.
- Vocal Exercises: Practice vocal warm-ups. Humming, lip trills, and tongue twisters can help you project your voice more effectively.
- Mindset Shift: Visualize your success. Imagine the applause, the engagement, and the impact you’ll have. This positive visualization can elevate your energy.
- Engage with Your Audience: Ask questions, make eye contact, and use their energy to fuel your own.
- Take Breaks: During long presentations, schedule short breaks. This not only gives you a breather but also keeps the audience from experiencing energy fatigue.
Conclusion
Raising your energy when public speaking is a skill that can be developed with practice and intention. By incorporating these strategies and understanding the importance of energy variation, you can create memorable and impactful presentations that resonate with your audience. Remember, if you don't try too hard, how do you know you tried hard enough? So, step on that stage and give it everything you've got!
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Additional Insights
Incorporating energy into your speech doesn't mean you have to be bouncing off the walls the entire time. It's about finding the right balance and using energy shifts to highlight key points. Think of it as a roller coaster ride – the ups and downs keep it exciting.
By understanding the science behind audience engagement and using practical exercises, you can elevate your public speaking game. Whether you're speaking to a room of ten or a thousand, your energy can make all the difference.