1. Start out with a bang!
From the outset, say something memorable by using one of the following: a memorable quote or reading, a rhetorical question, data resulting from advance audience surveys, or a staggering statistic, and then employ the well-timed dramatic pause.

This technique helps to grab your audience’s attention and provides a platform from which to base your presentation. Citing quotes or readings leads the audience to think that you are very well informed (never mind that you could Google it in a minute; they won’t be thinking about that!). Asking rhetorical questions can show the challenges or issues inherent in your subject matter, and using relevant statistics tells the audience that you’ve done the research to support your subject, hence positioning you as a leader in the field.

2. Don’t just read; create a bullet outline so you can engage your audience.
There is nothing more boring to an audience than watching a speaker bob his head up and down from his written presentation. Your speech should be designed like a PowerPoint presentation, in that your speaking notes should only consist of bullet points that you’ll expand upon during the talk. If you feel you need more than a rough, bulleted outline, go ahead and add notes to yourself so you don’t forget to share a relevant example or touch upon a key point, but list these also as bullet points, not sentences.

3. Be succinct; longer isn't necessarily better.
You know better than most, people are busy these days, so don’t waste their time with a meandering presentation. Touch upon your key points in an organized, concise manner. Make sure any examples or stories you use are relevant and support your points. If you know that you have a 30-minute time slot, prepare your presentation accordingly and leave ample time for Q&A. A good presentation will lend itself to discussion and the audience will appreciate having time to ask you their questions in an unhurried setting. This Q&A time also offers a valuable chance to illustrate the depth of your knowledge to the audience.

4. Don’t be that guy; avoid tangents.
When you are speaking to an audience, priority number one is keeping them engaged. Avoiding wandering into tangents that distract from the purpose of your presentation. Make the audience know that everything you say is heading towards a valid point that they can take away when they leave. If you stay focused, your audience will as well.

5. Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse some more.
Practice (preferably in front of a mirror) makes perfect to hone verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Use your bulleted outline and practice your speech several times. Watch yourself for any habits that might detract from your speech. Do you look completely bored and stiff, or are you using your facial features to add interest to your speech? Are you gesturing too much or just enough? Are you using filler such as “um” or “so you see?” If you are able to practice in front others, you will gain more experience speaking live, and you can request feedback on your speaking skills and the content of your presentation. Short of “live” practice, you can set up a video camera and watch yourself – don’t be afraid to do so! One of the goals with rehearsing is to internalize the speech. The better you know it, the easier it will be for you to present it. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident if you know the material well, and you will be less likely to rely on your notes, which in turn will make the presentation livelier.

Aileen Hinsch is the Project Director of Jaffe’s LexSpeak group, which places lawyers as speakers in front of targeted industry audiences, in seminars and conferences worldwide. She can be reached at hinscha@jaffeassociates.com or at www.jaffeassociates.com.