How To Be A More Engaging Public Speaker - 5 Tips from a Professional Magician

“… thinking like a magician is a great way to improve your public speaking skills”

We’ve all heard this at some point in our lives:

“The number one fear of the average person is public speaking. The second fear is death.”

However, public speaking is a fundamental aspect of a lot of different jobs, especially those in the corporate world. Whether it is presenting a new proposal or speaking at a conference, every professional must step up and deliver a powerful message with confidence and authority.

However, most people struggle with public speaking. Maybe they get nervous or fumble over their words and fail to make a real connection with their audience.

Well, what if I told you that the secret to becoming a more engaging public speaker is to think like a magician?

As a professional mentalist and magician, I have performed in front of thousands of people over the years and learned a thing or two about captivating an audience. And today, I’ll share some of my go-to tips for being a more engaging public speaker just for you!​

1. Start With a Bang

When it comes to public speaking, grabbing your audience's attention right from the start is key. This is why magicians always begin their act with a big trick that wows the crowd or a joke that gets them laughing. As a public speaker, you should aim to do the same. Don’t worry; it doesn’t need to be a trick or a joke (although it could be a good way for you to kick off a speech or a presentation).

Start your presentation with a powerful opening statement, a thought-provoking question, or an interesting statistic that sets the tone for your message. Think of it like the “hook” of your talk; what single statement can you make that makes your audience want more?

Remember, you only have a few seconds to capture your audience's attention, so make it count.

2. Use Stories To Relate To Your Audience

Stories are a powerful tool for engaging an audience. They help to create an emotional connection and make your message more relatable. Magicians often use or create stories in their performances to give context to their tricks and make them engaging or relatable. As a public speaker, you should do the same. Incorporating stories or anecdotes into your presentation to illustrate your points can not only make them more memorable but make you more interesting.

Adding stories and anecdotes to your speaking can also make them more memorable. People don’t remember stats and figures; they remember how it relates to people (whether that’s themselves or others). It’s like that (supposed) Maya Angelou quote says: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And what better way to create a feeling of connection than with stories?

3. Engage the Senses

Magicians use a wide range of sensory cues in their performances to create a more immersive experience for their audience. They use sound, light, and even scent to set the stage for their performances.

As a public speaker, you can also use sensory cues to engage your audience. Use visuals, such as photos or graphs, to illustrate your points. Use humour to lighten the mood and create a more relaxed atmosphere. If you can describe things with touch, taste, or smell, do it. Engage your audience's senses to create a more memorable and engaging presentation.

4. Emphasize Your Message

Magicians always have a clear and concise message behind their performances. They want to create a sense of wonder and amazement in their audience, but they also want to convey a deeper message.

As a public speaker, you should do the same. Ensure your message is clear and concise, and emphasize it throughout your presentation. Use repetition to drive your point home and ensure your audience remembers your message long after your presentation.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, practice is key. Magicians spend countless hours rehearsing their tricks to ensure that they can perform them flawlessly in front of an audience. As a public speaker, you should do the same. Practice your presentation until you feel confident and comfortable with your material. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get feedback on your performance. Record a video of your presentation, watch it back, and give yourself notes. The bottom line is the more you practice, the more engaging and confident you will be when delivering your presentation when the time comes to do it for real.

The bottom line is thinking like a magician is a great way to improve your public speaking skills. Incorporating these tips into your next presentation or speech is a great way to stand out among the rest and engage with your audience instead of just talking at them.

Best of luck!