Engage Your Audience, Don't Marry Your Script

When it comes to delivering an educational presentation, probably the best tip I can give someone, is just relax up on stage. Don't think of it as a presentation, think of it as a big discussion. Don't be afraid to be casual with the audience and say unscripted things like 'Wow, those lights are bright' or 'Man, I need some water'. Pause, take a drink, walk around. We speak because we are there to teach. We need to make sure our content is good and we have the right intent. We don't need to be ultra polished.

Many industry speakers I know start with, 'Just so you know, I'm not a professional speaker, so forgive me if I have to look at my notes. My main goal is to educate you today.'

I once spoke at Mortgage Planner Summit in Vegas, and I had to follow the most charismatic speaker, who got the audience of 1,200 up on their feet and cheering. I remember thinking, 'How am I going to follow that?'

When I got up on stage, however, instead of starting my presentation right away, I just went with the moment. I looked at the audience and said, 'Wow, I can't believe I have to follow that. I would normally feel inadequate, but he really pumped me up too. I just feel like yelling 'Show me the money!' I then spent a few seconds running around the stage like Jerry Maguire yelling, 'Show me the money!' 'Who's coming with me?' 'I love mortgage people!' It relaxed me and got the audience to reengage itself with me.

Jeff Gitomer, one of my favorite speakers, teaches his students to be friendly, not professional. And that's what I believe. Don't be afraid to be casual and relaxed on stage."