Wowing the Audience

Earlier in this book, you learned how to outline your speech so that the audience could easily understand the message you were planning to communicate. While using that same basic structure, you should also learn how to add the “wow” factor to your presentation so that the audience will be nothing less amazed with your speech.

Stated, the “wow” factor is present when you are able to exceed the expectations of your audience and can be sure that message sent is message received. You must come to realize that you must actually create the “wow” factor deliberately because it is not an accidental occurrence. Once the “wow” factor is established, created, and presented, your audience will be impacted tremendously.

Since the “wow” factor is not a mysterious manifestation, but an authentic occurrence in your speech, you must define exactly what “wow” factor you want to create. In order to do this, it is necessary to define the overall purpose of your speech in terms of how you want your speech to affect the audience. Your speech has the potential to create a variety of reactions from the audience including motivation, inspiration, entertainment, and/or even shock to prove a point. Below are several questions that you must answer in order to get started in creating the “wow” factor.

  • How do you think your audience will respond to your speech?
  • What will the audience remember the most from your speech?
  • What will the audience remember the most about you?
  • Why do you think the people in the audience will think “WOW”?

After this is accomplished, you need to define the central message of your speech by reviewing your topic statement. Plan on how you can state your topic in order to create an atmosphere for the audience and lure them into wondering what is to come during your speech. This works toward creating the “wow factor” because it builds suspense and a desire to know what lies ahead. Most people are naturally curious; therefore, by placing the audience into a mystery of sorts, you can persuade them to listen to your speech more attentively.

It is now fundamental to pinpoint exactly what you want your audience to remember about you. You must use your own common sense to define exactly who you are as a speaker. Only you are able to do this! Then, taking the definition of who you are as a speaker and putting it in the back of your mind, plan the image you would like to present to your audience during your speech. Here are some questions to consider to help you with deciding what would be an acceptable image to depict during your presentation.

  • Are you professional, poised, and articulate?
  • Are you warm, creative, and nurturing?
  • What does your choice of language say about you?
  • What message does your clothes and grooming convey about you to the audience?

No matter what image you wish to portray, remember that in order to create the “wow” factor, it is imperative that you create an unforgettable image that the audience can identify with.

You have to understand that, with the “wow” factor, the most critical aspect of creating it is consciously choosing to do so. You, as the speaker, are entitled to choose the type of impact your speech will make as well as the type of impact you, yourself, will make to the audience. Most importantly, no matter what type of impact you are trying to make, do not let the impact of your presentation be accidental. Take the time to properly, thoroughly, and professionally plan your “wow” factor by toying with different ideas and possibilities as well as visualizing how your audience would react to each idea. Be sure to make a positive impact as a person to your audience and surely your speech will leave a positive lasting impression on all in attendance.

Now that you have the foundation of creating the “wow” factor, try to work it into the planning of your speech. Once you feel you have added the “wow” factor, try delivering your speech to family and friends to be sure that the effect you wanted by watching their reaction as you speak. Then, when you deliver the speech to your intended audience, you can be absolutely sure the “wow” factor will be there for you.