In 1987 when PowerPoint (originally named Presenter and written, funny enough, for the Apple Mac) was released, it offered hope to mediocre speakers around the world that they, too, could keep an audience awake until they were done. Nowadays, it seems almost anyone can pull together a few slides and call themselves a "speaker". So, if technology isn't the key to persuading an audience, what is? Here are five tips to make sure you present with confidence ... and live to tell about it:

• It's all about them. You can only persuade people if you know what your audience values. Prior to your talk, write down the 3 or 4 (at most) points you want to make with your listeners, and then next to them what you think they'd value hearing most about them.
• Character, Logic, Emotion. At the beginning of your talk, you MUST establish the persona you want to establish. Comedian? Expert? Transparent "normal guy"? Character persuades more than logic. If people trust you, they will agree with you more often than not. Next, use logic to make your main points. Keep it brief and connect it to your listener's values. Finally, end with emotion. Small audience, little emotion. Big audience, BIG EMOTION!
• Blend with Your Audience. You need to fit in with your audience, so you meet their expectations. Dress and behave the way the group thinks a leader should. Speak confidently, apply your knowledge to their specific questions. Help them believe you share their values. Convince them that what you say is in their best interest, not yours.
• Speak Up! If you're scared ... turn it up! Your voice will naturally take on a tone of confidence. If you're feeling in control, begin speaking in a conversational tone. Speak louder in the anectodal parts, then as you close, turn your voice up to full volume. End strong!
• Use PowerPoint as a Memory Jogger, not a Crutch. Bullet your content. Use images to make your points, not paragraphs. Less is more. If you glance at the pictures and do your presentation almost flawlessly without notes or slides ... you're a speaker!