Credibility is something that can be built through strategies like focusing on your audience’s needs, telling data-driven stories, or offering social proof.
Even for those with natural presentation skills , exuding confidence and building credibility is like developing any other skill. It means practice, studying role models and learning from advice.
A solid reputation as a speaker can mean much more than the ability to book meetings. Your credibility can be the difference between persuading an audience and losing their trust. That’s what most speakers strive for. Here are four tips that will help you improve your reputation , increase your trust, establish credibility, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
1. Divert attention from yourself
When you get up on stage, the spotlights shine on you. You can suddenly feel insecure about the details, from your appearance to every word you say. A difficulty in pronunciation, a tremor in your voice, all of which can diminish your confidence.
One of the secrets to becoming a strong speaker is realizing that you are not perfect. Here’s the key: your audience already knows you are not perfect and they don’t expect you to be superhuman. After all, your speech and delivery have nothing to do with you.
Instead, shift your attention from yourself to those who have come to hear you. What are they looking to hear right now? Is there a specific method, such as storytelling, that will hold their attention the most? Once you get past the idea of embodying perfection, you’ll free yourself from unrealistic expectations. You’ll no longer be an obstacle to your audience seeing your value.
2. Back up your words
A person can speak on many different topics. However, words don’t always ring true to the audience if there’s nothing to corroborate them. The sources and citations of the information you present break down this barrier.
Sometimes inviting another expert to join the conversation is also helpful. They don’t need to be present, using pre-recorded or live video conferencing can help. At the same time, it’s important to avoid presenting facts and figures as pieces of data. Using the storytelling technique of «show, don’t tell» increases the impression your speech can make and how it will be remembered.
Telling people a bunch of statistics means there’s only a 5% to 10% chance they’ll retain what you said. However, when you use data as part of a story, retention rates jump to 65% to 70%. That’s a huge difference, and one that will boost your reputation as a memorable speaker.
3. Speak from your experience
If you don’t mention why you’re qualified to speak on a topic, your audience is going to question why they should listen to you. That doesn’t mean you should brag, but you should give them a glimpse into your background.
Imagine giving an informative talk about content strategy. Offering an overview of your professional experience at the beginning of your speech gives you credibility. Of course, not everyone has an impressive list of professional credentials. If you’re studying for a certification or degree and have some experience practicing the topic you’re talking about, that’s where your credibility lies.
Sometimes your authority comes from your enthusiasm for the topic. You may not be an expert in the traditional sense, but you have accumulated a ton of knowledge through your hobbies, side interests, and relationships with others. Any connections you have to the topic are good to establish up front.
4. Offer social proof
Once you start giving speeches, ask others to create testimonials and reviews. Positive testimonials can go a long way with future audiences. 72% of consumers trust a company more because of positive reviews or testimonials. As a speaker, you are your company.
It can take a while to build up a portfolio of reviews from the public. You’re going to have to do more than just commit and prove your ability. But once you gain some recognition, it doesn’t hurt to ask for recommendations. It’s always important to make sure that those who provide you with testimonials feel comfortable and are really writing what they think.
One idea is to let your advocates choose the format, whether it’s a video testimonial or a written review. That way, you won’t feel like you’re pressuring someone to attest to your skills in a way that makes them uncomfortable. Once you have your testimonials, share them on your social media pages and in other marketing materials. Show others why people connect with your words.
Establish your reputation as a speaker
Becoming a recognized professional speaker or honing your presentation skills is a noble, but difficult, endeavor. You have to convince others why they should care about what you have to say.
Letting your reputation speak for itself is one option. However, you will most likely have to work hard to build your credibility.
Focus on your audience’s needs, tell data-driven stories, explain why you’re qualified, and offer social proof. Following these tips will help you put your best foot forward.
