In public speaking, being seen as warm and relatable is just as important as being informative. Audiences don’t just want facts – they want to feel something. They want to feel connected to you. And the most successful speakers know how to strike that perfect balance between authority and approachability.

At The Presenter Studio, we train our clients to lead with warmth – because it builds trust. And trust makes your message more memorable, persuasive and impactful.

So how do you come across as warm? It’s not about being overly smiley or rehearsed. It’s about creating a sense of genuine connection. First up: smile when it feels right. A natural smile at the start of your talk goes a long way in lowering the temperature in the room and inviting people in.

Next, make eye contact. Not with the back wall. Not with your slides. But with your audience. Move your gaze across the room. Look at individual people – hold their attention for a moment, then move on. This gives everyone a sense that you’re speaking with them, not just at them.

Language matters too. Speak conversationally. Avoid jargon. Imagine explaining your ideas to someone over a coffee, not reading them out of a report. Let your personality come through in the way you talk. It doesn’t dilute your professionalism – it enhances your credibility.

What you wear and how your slides look can also add or take away warmth. Choose clothing that feels authentic to you and appropriate to the environment – not overly formal, but still polished. When it comes to slides, go for visual simplicity and storytelling, not pages of text. Slides should support your presence, not compete with it.

Public speaking is an opportunity to show not just what you know, but who you are. And when your audience likes you, they’ll listen more closely.

To develop your own warm, authentic speaking style, explore our coaching at The Presenter Studio: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training