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I'm a photographer and thought I'd share this insight I gained while shooting a number of speakers at a forum recently. The editor of the magazine I was shooting for specifically requested shots of people making gestures while talking - its just a more interesting picture.

So what does that mean for you if you're doing public speaking - gesture more. It attracts attention - especially if there's a photographer shooting the event. If you get more attention, you're more likely to be featured when images are chosen for publishing, both in print and on the web. Learn to wave your hands around and look excited.

The bonus of this is that when you're speaking, you're more likely to keep your audience engaged in what you're saying. How often have you stifled yawns (or not bothered to stifle them) when you've heard someone speak in a near monotone and not move at all?

It feels funny at first (I've been on the other side of the podium too) but once you get into it, you can really use it to create punctuation marks as you speak. When I started doing that, I got very receptive comments after wards about how engaging it looked.

You could practice it at the same time you're rehearsing a speech. Also note, I'm not talking about flailing around like a windmill - but use hand movements at least once in each statement, and three times would not be out of line. Especially if a motion reinforces the statement, such as sliding your hand forward when talking about something "accelerating" or making a chopping motion when talking about cuts, stopping something or ending a trend. There are lots of other motions too. Find things that fit.

Something to think about for your next speaking engagement.

Neil

Neil -

Great advice.  I always try to not stand behind a podium when doing speaking engagements - it makes it so much easier to bring movement into a presentation when not barricaded from the audience. Too many speakers grab onto the podium for dear life as a "security blanket" and look frozen behind it.

Of course, I've been know to be "visually interesting" by doing things like making my presentation in my underwear or wearing a clown nose, too.

- J.

Great tips! Another point is to think about your audience and what they will find interesting. Maybe you can ask questions and give your book, a special report or prize to the first person to answer correctly? By engaging the audience and interacting, you also create great "still shots," and create a more entertaining and informative presentation.

Melanie Rembrandt, Rembrandt Communications(R), rembrandtwrites.com

I agree, these are GREAT tips! And really, think about the people who speak at TED. They're never behind a podium hanging on for dear life. These people are genuine and speaking directly to you and not just reading from a script.

This past Friday was our annual visit to the elementary for fire prevention week and I was responsible for speaking to the kids before they went outside to interact with the fire trucks and go through the fire safety house.

I'll be flat out honest, at one point I felt inspired and encouraged as I walked around speaking to the kids. They actually seemed engaged and entertained. I think I even caught a teacher or two actually paying attention to me. Normally they're catching up on grading papers, filling out paperwork, whatever.

I think it was the movie Boiler Room where Ben Afleck said "Motion creates emotion!" and he's right.

Read an fascinating tip about public speaking - ''Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem '' because  the audience probably never noticed it.

Thanks for sharing this tips for public speakers about looking visually interesting. I have read the whole article and found it really helpful as well as informative.

Good tips! To gain attention firstly you need to be visually interesting! Then always have the confidence not too much but enough to maintain the interest of the people!