-
Step 1
Uncover potential opportunities through your city's chamber of commerce if you're interested in speaking in front of other business owners or look for engagements at trade shows or industry panel discussions to give presentations to potential clients. Tailor the tone of your speech to the background, economic status and general age of the group you're addressing.
-
Step 2
Begin your speech with an amusing or intriguing anecdote that will engage the audience and tie into your main subject. If you can't think of a personal or famous story to get the ball rolling, consult an Internet site such as Anecdotage(see Resources below).
-
Step 3
Include information that your audience will find fascinating and helpful. Discuss strategic business tactics, "secrets" about your product or business, solutions for common problems that your customers or fellow business owners face or your clients' success stories.
-
Step 4
Focus on one or two key points and write your speech around them. Although you may think you're adding value by packing in the information, the audience won't retain most of what they hear. Mention the main ideas in your introduction and recap them in your conclusion.
-
Step 5
Get the audience to participate so they're involved in your speech. For example, ask the simple questions and have them answer aloud as a group. Have them repeat a buzzword you've created about the business that they'll also remember once your speech is over.
-
Step 6
Provide handouts with each speech that outline your points and provide contact information, so they can call you about future speaking engagements. If you're speaking to customers, also provide a coupon or advertise a promotion to encourage additional business.
