Don’t talk right away: Quietly walk out on stage, take a deep breath, find your place, wait a few seconds and begin.
Show up to give, not to take: Even at a distance on stage, one can tell if you’re a giver or a taker, and people are more likely to trust a giver - a speaker that gives them value and teaches them something new, that inspires them, than a taker.
Make eye contact: It’s much easier and effective to make eye contact with the audience one by one instead of panning the entire hall.
Say thank you when you’re done: Applause is a gift, and when you receive a gift, it’s only right to express how grateful you are for it.
