What is a technique used to maintain audience engagement during a speech?

Incorporating rhetorical questions is an effective technique for maintaining audience engagement during a speech because it actively involves listeners in the conversation. Rhetorical questions stimulate thought and encourage the audience to reflect on the topic being discussed. By prompting the audience to consider their own answers, the speaker fosters a connection and makes the material more relatable. This technique enhances interactivity and can help sustain attention, as the audience feels more involved in the presentation rather than being passive recipients of information.

This approach contrasts sharply with methods that inhibit engagement, such as using only statistics or reading verbatim from notes, which can make the speech feel dry or monotonous. Additionally, avoiding eye contact detracts from connection and engagement, as it can make the audience feel unnoticed and disengaged.