How to Become a Great Speaker

Great speakers connect with their audience.

According to the Famous Speeches website, “Speeches do not have to be long to be great. Famous short speeches have caught the imagination of the audience by the delivery of great speakers.” The delivery of the speech is the most crucial aspect of a great speech. One of the surest ways to become a great speaker is to maximize on your strengths and be natural. Many great speakers use their personalities to drive their speeches.

Instructions

1. Study people that you consider great speakers. Pay attention to the speaking style of politicians, talk show host, pastors, teachers, professors and radio personalities. Find videos of eloquent speakers on and note all of the attributes that make the speaker great, such as body language, eye contact and voice projection. Make a list of all the weaknesses that you need to work on. Repeat the speech of the speaker you study. Deliver the speech in the same manner of the speaker. Deliver the speech in your own style, once you feel confident enough.

2. Work on your diction and pronunciation. Find a space that you can read aloud. Obtain any type literature such as a book or a newspaper. Read the text at a moderate speed, emphasizing every syllable. Go over the phrases and words that are difficult to pronounce. Alter the shape of your mouth when speak, if it helps with annunciation. Repeat the words and phrases until you feel comfortable saying them. Increase your reading rate. Find a rate that suits your voice. Slow your talking rate, if you stumble over many words.

3. Memorize a poem or speech that totals around 300 to 400 words. Go to the bathroom and begin rehearsing the speech in front of the mirror. Look at yourself in the mirror the entire time you recite the speech. Make your hand and face gestures match the tone of the speech. Smile frequently if the speech is uplifting. Show a straight face if the speech is serious. Project your voice so that your words are clear and crisp. Change the cadence of your voice to emphasize something important in the speech. Rehearse the speech at least three times or until you are comfortable enough to recite it to someone.

4. Deliver the speech in front of about ten friends and family members. This will help ease any anxiety you have when speaking in front of crowds. Show a variety of emotions in your speech such as humor, confidence and earnestness. Demonstrating a range of emotions engages the audience. Emphasize important messages in the speech by increasing the volume of your voice.

References

• Famous Short Speeches
• Beautiful Women Dating: How to Become a Good Speaker