Here's how you can assertively influence and persuade your audience during a presentation.

Au-delà de toutes les techniques de persuasion, de storytelling, etc, convaincre demande de s'engager personnellement. D'abord avoir soi-même une conviction, profonde, et vouloir absolument la partager. Cet engagement, cette motivation intrinsèque, doivent être assumés. C'est un élément clé pour faire ressentir des émotions au public.

I recall a presentation where I needed to convince a skeptical audience to support a new initiative. Rather than bombarding them with facts and figures, I incorporated personal stories and relatable examples that touched on their experiences and aspirations. The emotional connection I created made the message more memorable and impactful. It was evident that people were not just hearing the words; they were feeling the message. This experience reinforced the importance of tapping into emotions to effectively sway attitudes and spur action. After all, as Maya Angelou famously said, "People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel".

Commanding the room is such a vital skill for influencing and persuading an audience. I practice using strong, open body language to project confidence. During presentations, I maintain eye contact to build trust and vary my tone of voice to highlight key points and keep everyone engaged. Practicing my delivery helped me eliminate filler words and speak with clarity and decisiveness. By taking control of the space, both physically and vocally, I noticed the audience was more attentive and receptive to my message.

Staying agile during a presentation is key for assertive influence. Recently, while pitching, I actively listened to the audience's reactions and encouraged questions. This not only showed respect but also provided insights to adjust my approach in real time, making the presentation more dynamic and persuasive.

Stay confident, but don’t let it go to your head! When I started presenting a lot during college, I found myself walking that tightrope during a presentation. Confidence is key, but it's crucial to avoid tipping into arrogance. Remember, it's all about believing in your message without underestimating your audience. I made sure to acknowledge differing viewpoints with a playful nod. Striking that balance showed that while I was confident in my stance, I was also open-minded and considerate.

One method that works exceptionally well for me is manifesting. Taking a moment before stepping onto the stage to prepare mentally can be very beneficial. Combining a few breathing and relaxation exercises with visualizing myself excelling on stage helps me to cultivate the right mindset.

Your presentation should have a clear call to action - what do you expect people to do as a result of listening to you? This allows the presentation to be more impactful and useful because the audience has something that they can do/change/act on