Ten Things to Remember When Giving a Speech
Effective public speaking centers on four general categories: audience research, speech crafting, sharp focus, unambiguous conclusion. Public speaking success begins with advanced knowledge of the intended audience. Once the audience is known, hone the speech and practice thoroughly. A good public speaker stays focused on the subject matter and avoids being sidetracked. Do not leave the audience confused. Provide a good summation of the key points of the speech and a clear conclusion.
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Know the Audience
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To be successful a speaker must know the intended audience. An effective public speaker understands the audience.
1. Researching any general opinions the audience might hold eliminates potentially embarrassing moments, such as gearing a speech towards supporting a subject which the majority of the audience opposes.
2. Successful speakers are enthusiastic and believe in their subject. Speakers must appeal to the core beliefs of the audience, and the audience in turn will respond enthusiastically.
Be Prepared
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Prepare a fine speech and rehearse it repeatedly. A successful speech begins with careful crafting of the speech.
3. Write the speech so that the words flow easily. Illustrate it with appropriate examples and graphics if needed. Build the speech around a clear-cut theme.
4. Practice repeatedly to deliver a well-crafted speech. Stand in front of a mirror to gain composure. Visit the room where the speech will be given, and get a feel for the space. Record the speech and review it several times to detect flaws and natural breaks.
5. Ask co-workers, friends or family to listen to and critique the speech. Listen to their feedback and appreciate their support. -
Stay Focused
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A speaker should have an authentic stage persona. Maintain your focus. Do not become distracted or let the mind wander.
6. Understand your strengths and weaknesses in public speaking. Do not try to be funny unless you are skilled at humor. The audience is focused on the speech material and will become bored or disinterested if the speech is unfocused or repetitive.
7. Construct your speech around an interesting narrative. Any anecdotes or brief stories should feature and clarify the central message without confusing the audience.
8. Public speaking is a performance art which includes an authentic stage persona and visual appeal. Use relevant imagery and brief, vivid multimedia clips. Do not lull the audience to sleep with overly abundant facts.
Summarize and conclude your presentation.
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End strong and wait for the applause. Although it is sometimes good to leave the audience wanting more, they should not be left wanting more clarity.
9. Restate the main points of the speech precisely. The audience wants to understand or they would not have remained to the end.
10. End strong. Give the audience a memorable ending sentence or two as a take away. Audiences remember the finale so be gracious and leave your audience with an unforgettable summation of the central themes.
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References
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