Why Winning Over an Audience is Simpler Than You Think

There’s this myth that to win over an audience, you need to master psychology, Jedi mind tricks, or fake some sort of deep familiarity. But it’s way simpler than that.

I’m no master of any of those things, but I still seem to be able to get some people to like me when I speak.

Yet, public speaking isn’t about fooling people into liking you. It’s about connection, and that happens naturally when you use a few straightforward techniques.

The Biggest Misconception About Public Speaking

If you’ve ever watched a great speaker, you might think they’ve got some secret formula. But really, what makes them effective isn’t complexity—it’s simplicity.

The best speakers don’t rely on tricks. They focus on three key things:

1. Hook people straight away – A well-placed question, a prop, or a bold statement makes people sit up and listen.

2. Make it about them, not you – The best speakers get their audience involved right from the start.

3. Tell stories, not just facts – Nobody remembers raw data, but they do remember an interesting story.

These aren’t advanced tactics. They’re just how humans connect.

The Power of Simple Engagement

Look at how the 2015 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking started his talk:

"All of you think smoking kills?"

Boom—straight away, he’s got everyone’s attention. Five words. No gimmicks. Just a powerful question that made people think.

Then, he got the audience involved, making them feel like they were part of the experience. That’s why they listened.

Want to see more on how this works? Check out his speech:

Why This Works (And Always Will)

People don’t want to work hard to follow what you’re saying. That’s why:

• A strong hook beats a long-winded intro.

• A question gets more attention than a lecture.

• A story sticks in people’s minds better than data.

The Science Behind Audience Engagement

Neuroscientists have found that stories activate multiple parts of the brain, making your message more memorable. The process is simple: when you tell a story, your audience's brain synchronises with yours, making them feel more connected to you. That’s why:

• People are 22 times more likely to remember facts when they are wrapped in a story. (source)

• Emotional engagement increases audience retention by up to 70% (source)

• The average human attention span is 8 seconds, so the first few seconds of your speech matter the most (source)

What You Should Avoid When Speaking

Some speakers make these common mistakes that kill engagement:

• Overloading with data – Too many facts and figures overwhelm people. Use a few key points and reinforce them with stories.

• Reading from slides – If your audience can read everything on your slide, they don’t need you.

• Speaking in a monotone voice – Vocal variety keeps people interested

• Neglecting body language – More than half of communication is nonverbal. Engage with movement and facial expressions.

How To Nail Your Next Talk

Next time you speak, do this:

1. Start Strong

• Drop a question or bold statement in the first 10 seconds.

• Instantly grabs attention.

2. Involve the Audience

• Ask for a quick reaction or show of hands.

• Gets people engaged early.

3. Use Stories

• Share real experiences instead of dry facts.

• Makes your message memorable.

4. Keep It Simple

• Skip the jargon and complicated slides.

• Ensures clarity and connection.

5. Speak Naturally

• Be conversational, not robotic.

• Builds trust and authenticity.

6. Use Pauses Effectively

• Give people time to digest your points.

• Creates impact and engagement.

7. End with a Call-to-Action

• Tell them what to do next.

• Leaves a lasting impression.

Aussie Speakers Who Nail It

Hugh Jackman – More than just Wolverine, Hugh knows how to command a stage with charisma and storytelling.

Turia Pitt – Her speeches are raw, powerful, and inspiring. She connects deeply with audiences.

Lisa Wilkinson – Known for her powerful storytelling and personal connection with audiences.

Cathy Freeman – An inspiring speaker, Cathy talks about resilience, focus, and personal drive.

Dylan Alcott – A champion in both sport and public speaking, Dylan connects with audiences through humour and authenticity.

At the end of the day, public speaking isn’t about tricking people into liking you. It’s about being real, keeping it simple, and making people feel like they matter. That’s what makes you an unforgettable speaker.

Follow these steps, and you’ll not only hold an audience—you’ll inspire them.