How to Organize Your Speech Topics
The presentation of information through public speaking is an effective tool used in a wide variety of settings such as career training, business communication and community service. The preparation for the speech is a process that demands detail and organization. To properly maximize the time given to present the subject matter, the speaker must organize the information in an effective manner. Each topic must be properly presented while aligning with the overall tone and intent of the presentation. The most effective public speakers take steps to organize their presentation in an effort to best communicate with the audience.
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Instructions
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Create an outline. Your speech should be organized into an outline that overviews both subject and content. The outline may be written, typed or formatted into an electronic presentation. You should present the outline in bullet format with line-item information headed by subject matter followed by either letters or numbers. Due to the fact that the outline of the speech may be given to attendees, you must research the audience and generate an outline that will be easily accessible to people in attendance. You must ensure that the content of the outline matches the content of the presentation to avoid audience distraction.
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Begin with an effective introduction. Begin your presentation by thoroughly defining the content and context of the speech. First, thoroughly discuss the main topic of the speech, then express the purpose of the presentation. As a follow-up, you may want to give the audience bullet information on each topic covered.
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Present the body of the presentation. Introduce the heart of your discussion to the audience following your thorough introduction. To prepare your audience, you may begin the body of the speech with humor or anecdotal information, followed by the main presentation. If you are using presentation aids such as a slide projector, the presented body of the speech should correspond with your slide presentation. You can use flash cards or other aids to assist in the presentation of the subject matter.
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Close the speech with actionable, thought-provoking or educational information. The closing of the speech should contain information that will not only summarize the speech, but present the audience with either a call to action, or information to inventory long after the presentation has concluded. You should add any information that you believe will pull the audience members to align with the heart of your presentation. This section should be reserved for irony, emotion or strong factual material.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure that spelling and punctuation are checked before presenting the written outline of your speech to attendees.
Ensure that you account for the time period that each topic will cover. Adhere to a set time schedule for each topic to maximize audience attentiveness. Give adequate breaks between topics.
References
- Photo Credit lecture hall image by GeoM from Fotolia.com
