How to Make an Effective Speech

Make effective speeches, without stage fright following these simple rules. Whether it be a college speech, a eulogy or a toast to the bride and groom, the thought of public speaking makes people nervous. Read this quick how-to, and make a speech that people will remember.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Narrow your speech topic. Identify what you want to say, and how you would like to say it. Do this by brainstorming every point you could possibly make. Next, eliminate every point that is irrelevant, redundant, or would require an extensive explanation. The goal of public speaking, is to say as much as you can, using as few words as possible.

2. Identify your audience, and adjust your tone. You would not speak at a company meeting in the same matter that you would speak with your friends. Public speaking requires that you identify and relate with your audience. It is acceptable to use an firm tone, if your speech is about a heated topic. However, you should never yell at your audience. Take care not to alienate any audience member. Unless you are giving a speech at your church, do not discuss religion. In a mixed crowd, do not bring up any controversial topics in a negative or judgmental manner. These topics include but are not limited to abortion, sexuality, race, or anything gender specific.

3. Do not use audible pauses in your speech. "Ummm..." is an example of an audible pause. When you feel the pause coming on, take a breath instead. Do use pauses for voice inflection. For instance, after a question.

4. Make eye contact with your audience without making them uncomfortable. Glance at the people in the back of the room as well as the front. Hold the glance for no more than five seconds. A long glance could make the audience member think that you are addressing them specifically.

5. Limit your speech. No one likes a drawn out speech. Keep it down to just a few minutes, especially if there are other speakers. Time constraints can become problematic. If your public speech allows for question and answer time, limit that also.

6. End your speech appropriately. Always thank your audience before you end your speech. If you can't think of anything to say to conclude your speech, use a quote.

Tips & Warnings

• Kill your nerves by perfecting your speech. Practice until you are completely confident that you will address your topic.
• Acknowledge that everyone experiences some anxiety before public speaking and do it anyway.
• Use hand gestures. Body language is an important part of speech making.
• Use controlled breathing to calm nerves. Inhale, pause, exhale.
• Right before your speech, clench your fists as tight as you can and let go. This will help with shakiness.
• Suspend disbelief. During your speech, pretend that you are the expert on your topic.
• Don't picture people naked to control nerves. You could get a case of the giggles.
• Don't make a speech on a topic that you are not prepared to answer questions on. Your audience will know.
• Open with a joke only when it is appropriate, and use a tasteful joke.

[pep1player]

on 5/27/2009 nice article