How to Have an Effective Speech

Being prepared will help you give a better speech.

A speech succeeds or fails based on the way your audience perceives it. Your speech can teach the audience something new, help them embrace a different point of view, or entertain them. Whatever the purpose of your speech, it is essential that you use the tools at your disposal to get your point across. Most people fear public speaking, but you can overcome that fear if you learn how to have an effective speech.

Instructions

1. Determine the purpose of your speech. The way you prepare your speech depends upon whether you are speaking to persuade or speaking to entertain.

2. Tailor the speech to fit the audience size, as well as their knowledge of and attitude toward your topic. You won't always know this information ahead of time, but if you do, use it to your advantage.

3. Organize the speech so that it flows in a way that the audience can understand it. Stick to two to three main points and a conclusion.

4. Create an attention-getting opening. Make a joke, tell a story, or reveal a surprising fact.

5. Use language effectively. Avoid vagueness, clichés, profanity, slang, and empty filler words.

6. Demonstrate your credibility by making intelligent arguments backed by solid evidence. Evidence should be recent, relevant, clear, logical and unbiased. It should also acknowledge arguments against it.

7. Don't talk down to the audience or make inappropriate jokes that reveal a sexist or racial bias. The goal is to engage the audience in what you have to say, not turn them off.

8. Perfect your delivery method. Use eye contact, posture, facial expression, tone of voice, and appropriate gestures to communicate or reinforce messages to the audience.

9. Reduce anxiety by thoroughly preparing your speech and practicing it repeatedly. Preparation is the key to an effective speech.

10. Use visual aids. These can include graphs, maps, PowerPoint, images, and charts. Remain engaged with the audience while using visual aids. Don't turn your back to them.

11. Make time for a question and answer session. Prepare for questions ahead of time by anticipating what the audience is likely to ask. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know an answer. Learn to diffuse hostile questions and deter those who try to monopolize the session.

References

• University of Pittsburgh: Public Speaking