Maintaining your audience attention and interest for your topic till the end symbolises successful communication. Following are the simple ways:-
- Maintain Eye Contact
Maintain eye contact, randomly but as widely as possible so that individuals feel included at all times to show that you are sincere, credible, experienced, persuasive and friendly. - Tone of Voice
To maintain audience attention, speak slowly with varying tone and resonance. - Repeat Key Phrases
Add emphasis by repeating key phrases and sounding assertive as you reinforce your point to get your message across as confidently as possible. - Look and sound professional
Always try to limit confirming phrases like 'Do you know what I mean?', 'OK?'. as this gives an impression that you are not sure of yourself. - Be enthusiastic
Being enthusiastic can be infectious as long as it is not over the top. Animated facial expressions, humor, body positions and gestures count for a lot in winning over. - Use Natural Breaks
To maintain audience attention, it is often worth creating natural breaks by distributing literature and other items connected with your presentation. Keep the material hidden from view until then as it can distract your audience. - Avoid Negative Body Language
Certain postures and gestures tell you how receptive they are to what you are saying. When audience appearing to be picking fluff off their cloth, it suggests they are not in agreement with you, but are unlikely to challenge you about it. - Avoid Distractions
Body Language is a two way communication and that it is easy to be distracted by someone else's eye contact. The moment your attention is distracted, the audience's attention will decrease gradually. - Encourage Participation
If you feel you need to bring people in to maintain their attention, mention their names, refer to something over which they have responsibility, or ask for questions and comments. - Visual Aids
As it is difficult to continue to maintain eye contact, use flip charts and projector presentations but do not be distracted by the visual aid becausse your body language will show that you have lost with your audience.