How to Contribute Effectively in Meetings
A skilled event speaker can do more than deliver information. They can inspire audiences, elevate their organisation’s profile and establish themselves as an authority in their field. The best event speakers leave audiences motivated, curious and ready to act.
When a talk falls short, it is equally memorable but for all the wrong reasons. A confusing or poorly delivered presentation can undermine the speaker and the organisation they represent.
Here are six essential habits of successful event speakers and practical ways to adopt them.
1. Define your core message
Every compelling presentation at an event begins with a clear purpose. What do you want your audience to take away? Do you want them to think differently, try a new approach or recognise your organisation as a leader? Knowing your goal makes it easier to craft content that is focused and memorable.
How to do it: Summarise your key idea in one sentence. Keep this in mind while preparing your presentation and ensure every section supports that central point. Our Presentation and Public Speaking Skills programmes show participants how to sharpen their messages so they stick with audiences.
2. Open with something that captures attention
The first moments of your talk will set the tone for what is to come. Many of the most widely shared event presentations begin with an unusual question, a bold statement or a short story that draws the audience in. A strong opening engages the audience and positions you as confident and interesting.
How to do it: Experiment with three possible openings for your talk and try them out with a colleague or coach. Pay attention to which version sparks curiosity most effectively.
3. Organise your talk in a logical way
A clear structure helps audiences follow your ideas and remember your key points. Common approaches include telling a story with a beginning, middle and end or using a Problem, Solution, Action format. Other structures highlight Past, Present, Future perspectives.
How to do it: Use simple signposting phrases such as “There are three points I want to cover today” or “Here is how we can approach this challenge.” Our Event Speaking Coaching sessions provide frameworks that make content easier to follow and retain.
4. Include stories to connect
Stories make concepts relatable and give your audience an emotional connection to your ideas. Well-told stories stick in people’s minds long after the talk is over.
How to do it: Choose examples that support your main points, keep them concise and include details that help the audience imagine the situation. Our Storytelling for Business course shows speakers how to craft narratives that engage and inspire.
5. End with a clear call to action
A presentation is most effective when it encourages the audience to do something, think differently or take a specific step. Concluding with a call to action ensures your message has impact and gives audiences a clear takeaway.
How to do it: Draft your call to action like a headline. Keep it simple, memorable and actionable.
Highlight key lines and messages
Identify the phrases you want your audience to remember. Emphasising them through repetition, rhythm, alliteration or a well-timed pause helps them stick. These moments will resonate long after the presentation has ended.
In conclusion...
Confident and engaging conference speakers make it look effortless, but every successful talk is supported by careful planning, rehearsal and experience. With consistent practice and the right guidance, anyone can develop the skills to deliver memorable presentations.
At Rich Public Speaking, our experts guide individuals and organisations through every stage of presentation development. From clarifying the message to refining delivery, we help speakers capture attention, build trust and leave audiences inspired.
