7 Tricks Every Business Speaker Needs to Win Over Any Crowd
Introduction G’day legends! Ever seen a business speaker stroll onto the stage and just own it? The crowd’s hanging on every word, laughing, nodding, maybe even jotting down notes. That’s the dream, right? I’m Nathan Baws, and after years of yakking to businesses from Sydney to Perth, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make any talk a ripper. Whether you’re shaking in your boots at the thought of a microphone or you’re a pro chasing that extra spark, these 10 secrets will have you wowing crowds like nobody’s business. So, chuck on the kettle, and let’s have a chinwag about how to be a business speaker everyone remembers. What You’ll Learn 1. Start with a Bang That Echoes You’ve got about as long as it takes to scoff a Tim Tam to make the crowd love you. A killer opening is your foot in the door as a business speaker. Why the First Bit Matters I stuffed up a talk years back—kicked off with some lame line about the weather. The room went quieter than a pub on a Monday morning. Your opening’s your chance to say, Oi, this is worth your time. Try a punchy question like, Who’s ever sat through a meeting and wanted to scream?” or a stat like, 70% of teams tank because no one’s leading. It’s your handshake with the audience—make it firm. Nailing That Hook Think of your start like the first scene of a cracking movie. I once opened a gig in Brisbane with, Hands up if you’ve ever had a boss who made you want to quit. Half the room laughed, and we were mates already. Keep it short, make it about them, and tease what’s coming. That’s how a business speaker sets the vibe. Stuff to Dodge Don’t bang on about yourself or mumble, Thanks for having me. No one’s here for your life story yet. And skip the cheesy icebreakers—nobody wants to turn to your neighbour and share your star sign. Get to the good stuff quick, or you’ll lose ‘em. 2. Spin a Yarn That Sticks Stories are the Vegemite of public speaking—simple, classic, and brilliant. They’re what make your talk linger in people’s heads. Why Stories Are Your Mate I’ve given talks where I rattled off stats, and you could see eyes glazing over. But when I shared a story about a little Adelaide bakery that turned things around with a staff pep talk, the room lit up. Stories hit the heart, not just the head. As a business speaker, they’re your shortcut to connection. How to Tell a Good One Share Something Real It helps to share a real story. It could be about a time you learned something. It could be about a mistake you made. It could be about a small success. I often talk about a time I had to speak to an important client. I forgot my slides. I had to speak without them. I stayed honest. Somehow, it worked. That story stayed with me. It helps others see I am not perfect. Keep the story short. Make sure it connects to your message. Do not speak too long. People lose focus. Keep Your Story Simple and Honest You do not have to act perfect. You do not have to act like you know everything. A business speaker who shares small, real stories connects better with people. It could be something simple. Like helping someone quiet on your team speak up. That is real. People in the room understand that. They see themselves in that moment. That is why they listen.. 3. Use Your Body the Right Way Your words are one part of the talk. How you stand and how you move also matter. As a business speaker, the way you use your body makes a difference. Stand Still and Be Clear When I first started speaking, I moved too much. I walked all over the place. It made me look nervous. Now, I stand still. I stand tall. I keep my shoulders back. I look at the people in the room. It shows I am ready. It shows I have something to say. You can practise standing in a way that feels calm but strong. That helps people listen. Gestures That Work Don’t wave your hands like you’re directing traffic. Use them to back up your words—point for a big idea, open your hands to show you’re on their side. I’ve watched legends like TED speakers, and their gestures are subtle but powerful. As a business speaker, your hands should feel like an extension of your voice. Look ‘Em in the Eye Eye contact’s your secret weapon. I pick out a few faces in the crowd and give ‘em a quick look—like I’m having a yarn just with them. It builds trust. A business speaker who stares at their notes or the ceiling feels like they’re hiding something. Look up, connect, win. 4. Turn Nerves into Nitro Even old hands like me get a bit of a wobble before a big talk. The trick is using those butterflies to fuel your fire. Nerves Mean You Care I’ve been speaking for donkey’s years, and I still get a flutter before a gig. That’s not a bad thing—it’s your body saying, “This matters.” A bit of adrenaline sharpens you up, like a double espresso before a big meeting. The key is not letting it take over. Tricks to Stay Chill Deep breathing’s my go-to. Four seconds in, hold, four out. I do it in the loo before a talk to stop my heart racing like a greyhound. Know your stuff cold—that’s half the battle. And if you muck up? Chuckle. I once called a client by the wrong name mid-talk. Laughed it off, and the crowd loved me for it. A business speaker who’s human is a business speaker people trust. Picture the Win Before I step up, I imagine the crowd clapping, maybe even chucking a “you beauty!” my way.









