Ideas on How to Make a Speech
Most experienced public speakers would agree that anything in the world can be presented in half an hour, and almost anything in 15 minutes. Mark Twain claimed that he never prepared a speech, remarking that he had lived so long that any prior speaker would mention something that brought to mind anecdotes for him to talk about. Most speakers, unlike Twain, find it best to be fully prepared to give their speeches.
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Pertinent Topic
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Choose an appropriate topic to reach your particular audience. The purpose of a speech is to get the response you want, whether that is to move the audience to feel, think or act. Effective speeches tell audiences things they don't know or provide new insights into the subject matter. Research your topic thoroughly and provide up-to-date facts and figures. The content of the speech must fit the audience, so analyze your audience and decide what would be the best way to reach them.
Plan the Speech
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Speeches should be well-organized and easy to understand. To get an audience's attention, speakers often use a hook at the beginning of a speech. This can be a dramatic opening, an anecdote, shocking statistics or a joke. Asking direct questions of the audience is also often effective to draw the audience into the presentation. Have a very clear structure and decide which ideas you will cover in your speech. Outline your speech, putting your most important points into a logical sequence.
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Appeal of Speech
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Explain why your topic is important. Use short sentences, quotes and phrases for effect. Repetition and three-part lists can be very effective to dramatize points. Whether you appeal to your audience by establishing your authority in the field or appeal to their emotions, always present hard facts to back up the points you are making. Summarize your speech and restate the major points you have made. Speeches often close with an appeal to the audience to take action based on what you have said. Make sure the action you recommend is specific and realistic. You can conclude your speech dramatically or with a strong affirmative statement.
Speech Presentation
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When giving your speech, pause for a few moments before starting your delivery to settle yourself and gather the audience's attention. Convey a sense of enthusiasm for your topic in your delivery. Never apologize for your nervousness or your material. Speak with conviction to persuade the audience to take your point of view. Look at the audience as individuals and make each person feel that you are talking to her. Look for friendly faces and direct your remarks to those people until you are comfortable and lose any nervousness you may be experiencing. Pace your delivery and stay within the time limit. Allow time for a question and answer period after your speech.
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References
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