He was a showman like no other. The hype for Apple’s events started weeks in advance. Jobs used dramatic lighting and slick, hi-definition videos to bring his speech to life. He paced the stage with tightly controlled pure energy—calm, but not relaxed. You could almost feel his passion.
Few speakers can achieve that kind of presence on stage. Jobs was the Baryshnikov of business. Riveting. Powerful. You couldn't take your eyes off him.
For the majority of people, speaking in front of a large audience ranks next to hairy spiders on the scale of slightly nervous to full-blown terror. Don't be intimidated by flash, though. Unlike Jobs, most speakers are a lot less theatrical and a lot more down-to-earth.
Here's what you can learn from three outstanding speakers:
1. Tailor your speech. Guy Kawasaki is one of the most recognizable names on the speaking circuit, and it's certainly not for his flash. He's personable, warm and self-deprecating.
The secret of his charm is in humor. No matter what subject he's covering, he's funny—not in a Chris Rock, in-your-face way, but rather, with a gentle, conversational style.
During his “How to Jump the Innovation Curve” keynote speech, he describes how he tailors each presentation—often right on the spot—using spur-of-the-moment images.
What he's really communicating is connection. His speeches are sprinkled with nods to local culture, inside jokes and references that his audience can relate to. On stage, the marketing powerhouse comes across as a regular guy, someone you'd like to invite over for a backyard barbeque.
RELATED: Join our LinkedIn group for speechwriters and presenters to get free tips.
Audience connection is the difference between boring and electrifying. An electrified audience leans in. They listen and react. They're waiting for that breathless moment when your insight blows them away. That's the real drama.
2. Be yourself. Gary Vaynerchuk, affectionately known in marketing industry as GaryVee, is famous for a lot of things, including his kinetic energy and enthusiasm, big ideas—and his habit of swearing (a lot).
His onstage style is a bit manic, with staccato delivery accompanied by choppy gestures. Vaynerchuk's a rant in constant motion, even when he's sitting.
He advises speakers to build confidence. Confidence is strong and sexy. Stick with what you know, practice humility and communicate in the way that you're most comfortable. His message centers on authenticity.
When you are an expert in your subject, you don't stumble, fumble or forget your lines. If you're comfortable with yourself, you'll be comfortable onstage.
3. Open up. Nick Morgan is a successful speaker and communicator who teaches important people to speak. In “Four Steps to a Charismatic Presentation,” he explains that charisma begins with body language. Even on stage, speaking is a two-way communication. The way you hold your body sets the tone. He encourages speakers to be open.
When we're nervous (and who isn't nervous on stage?), we tend to close with our body language. We fold our arms protectively in front of our bodies or play with our hands.
Being open is simply a matter of keeping your hand apart. Lean forward to make a point, as you would in conversation. Let your voice have a natural rhythm, getting louder when you're excited and pausing when you finish a story so your audience can react.
The best professional speakers don't dazzle their audiences with special effects; rather, they all stress the importance of authenticity, body language and audience connection.
It's hard to imagine a speech or presentation as a two-way communication, but if your audience isn't with you—nodding, listening, laughing or live-tweeting bullet points—you might as well be talking to your dog.
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