Buzz
Being asked to prepare and present a speech can indeed be quite intimidating if you've never done it before. Don't worry! In no time, you'll become a seasoned speaker by following these simple tips.
Steps
Outline Your Speech
Choose a topic for your speech. Select a focused topic rather than trying to cover too much. Just like the subject of an essay, everything you say should tie back to the main theme.
Identify your audience. Are you speaking to children or adults? Is your audience unfamiliar with your topic, or are they experts in the field? Understanding your listeners will help you tailor your speech to suit their expectations.
Consider your purpose. A good speech meets the needs of its audience. Are you aiming to make people laugh? Do you want to inspire them, or deliver a sobering message that might change their behavior? These questions will shape the tone and style of your speech.
Think about the setting. Will you be speaking to a small group or addressing a large crowd? A speech for a small group can be informal, but a larger audience may require a more formal approach.
- With a smaller audience, you can adapt your talk on the spot or add details if you notice interest in a specific topic.
Write Your Speech
Write short, clear sentences about your topic. Aim to craft a strong opening line that grabs your audience's attention right away.
- Start by freewriting. Write as much as you can about your chosen topic without worrying about judgment or perfect phrasing. Once you've listed your ideas, refine and organize them logically.
- Use an anecdote or a quote. Sometimes, someone else has already said it best. A well-chosen quote, used sparingly, can make your opening more impactful. Choose something surprising or unique, and always credit the source.
- Be cautious with opening jokes unless you know your audience well. What you find funny might not resonate with them or could even offend.
Select 3 to 5 key points for your topic. Ensure these points are precise and directly relevant.
- You can start by exploring general sources like encyclopedias or Wikipedia, but make sure to verify your ideas using more reliable and accurate sources once you have a broad understanding of your topic.
- Incorporate personal experiences. If you have extensive exposure or knowledge about the subject, your own stories and experiences can be excellent resources for your speech. However, keep your anecdotes concise to avoid losing your audience's focus.
Decide whether to write out the entire speech or just outline it on note cards.
- Consider your familiarity with the topic. If you are well-versed in the subject and can speak extemporaneously, note cards may suffice.
- Use one card for the introduction. This should include your opening statement.
- Use one or two cards for each key point. Then, prepare a card for the conclusion, tying it back to the main idea of your speech.
- Write summaries or even single words on the note cards. These should include key phrases to remind you of what you want to say.
- If you feel uncertain or lack deep knowledge of the topic, write out your speech word for word.
Decide whether to use visual aids. You can use presentation software like Prezi or PowerPoint to illustrate your speech, or opt for hand-drawn charts and graphs.
- Keep visuals to a minimum. They should support, not overshadow, your speech.
- Ensure the visuals are legible to the audience. It's better for them to be too large than too small.
- Check the facilities of the room where you'll be speaking. If you need internet access or a projector, confirm their availability beforehand.
Prepare handouts for the audience if the topic is technical or detailed. This allows you to focus on the most critical points during your speech while providing the audience with reference material for more detailed information they can review later.
Write a brief biography about yourself.
Practice Your Speech
Set a timer. Know how long your speech should take. If it doesn’t fit within the allotted time, you may need to shorten or extend it. Don’t forget to include time for a Q&A session if required.
Practice in front of a friend or a mirror. Practice making eye contact to avoid constantly looking at your notes. Remember to use visual aids during your practice to ensure a smooth delivery.
- If you commute by car, you can practice your speech while driving. However, avoid looking at your notes while behind the wheel.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Pause between sections of your speech to allow the audience to absorb the information.
Mark up your speech as you practice. If certain words or phrases sound unnatural or awkward, highlight and revise them to make them flow better.
Record yourself practicing your speech. Review your appearance, body language, and delivery.
- Ensure your gestures are natural and not overly exaggerated. On the other hand, avoid letting your hands hang limply or constantly leaning on the podium.
- When practicing in front of a friend and receiving constructive criticism, try to incorporate their feedback into your delivery.
Practice more than once. Rehearsing multiple times will significantly boost your confidence when it’s time to step onto the stage.
On the Day of Your Speech
Dress appropriately. If you need to appear authoritative, opt for formal attire. Choose colors that complement your appearance and keep flashy jewelry to a minimum.
Ensure all materials are prepared and organized. Bring your visual aids, tablet or laptop, and your speech notes.
Request a sound check. If you're in a small room, ask someone to stand at the back and confirm if your voice is clear. In larger spaces, practice using the microphone to avoid interruptions or distortions.
- Try to arrive early before the audience. Use this time to test the sound system and visual aids. If you're part of a conference, you’ll likely have 15-20 minutes to prepare. If you're the sole speaker, aim to arrive an hour early.
Set up your equipment and supporting materials. Ensure the computer, projector, and stand are functioning properly and positioned so the audience can see clearly.
Decide how to distribute handouts. You can place them on a table for the audience to pick up or hand them out in an orderly manner.
Ask for a glass of water. You’ll need it to stay hydrated, especially during a long speech.
Check yourself in the mirror before stepping on stage. Inspect your outfit from the front and back, ensure your hair is neat, and if you’re wearing makeup, make sure it’s flawless.
During Your Speech
Scan the room and avoid focusing on a single spot.
- Make eye contact with the audience. If direct eye contact feels uncomfortable, focus on a point above their heads, like a clock or a painting on the wall.
- Move your gaze around the room to make everyone feel included in your presentation.
Speak slowly and remember to breathe naturally. The adrenaline rush from standing in front of an audience might make you speak too quickly. Keep a confident smile on your face throughout.
Laugh at yourself if something goes wrong. If you forget your lines, simply thank the audience and step down. They’ll feel more connected and sympathetic, and you won’t lose their trust in your expertise.
- Never leave the stage if you make a mistake, no matter how embarrassed you feel. Crack a joke if possible, shrug it off, and keep going.
Encourage audience interaction (ask questions or invite them to ask so you can address points you missed) before concluding your speech. Thank the audience with a smile, nod, or bow if appropriate.
- Always leave time for Q&A. After the last question, let them know, “I’d like to share one final thought with you,” and end your talk on a strong note.
Tips
- Speak loudly and clearly. Avoid self-doubt, as this will boost your confidence.
- Be confident while speaking. Act as if no one knows more than you do.
- It’s better to choose a topic you’re comfortable with. This will reduce anxiety and stress.
- Deliver your speech with conviction and believe in what you’re saying.
- Remember, a long-winded presentation can bore the audience. Keep your speech concise and within the allotted time.
- Occasionally take a deep breath or pause briefly. This will grab the audience’s attention.
- If you decide to read directly from your notes, print them in a large, clear font. Place the pages in transparent sleeves inside a folder so you can easily flip through them without losing your place, or arrange two pages side by side—the current page on the left and the next on the right. Place the next page on top as you start reading so the others remain underneath. This way, you won’t lose track. Don’t forget to look up at the audience regularly to maintain their attention.
- Always speak loudly enough for the audience to hear. For example, focus on those seated at the back and speak as if addressing them directly.
- Don’t fear making mistakes. Be confident, and if your speech differs slightly in wording or content, don’t feel insecure—stay courageous.
- Don’t stress; people will listen to you and maintain politeness, allowing you to focus on your speech throughout your presentation☺.
Warnings
- Don’t forget to prepare for the Q&A session after your speech. Try to anticipate some questions the audience might ask and practice your responses.
What You’ll Need
- Written speech or note cards
- Friends, teachers, or family members to assist with practice
- Recording device
- Computer or tablet for the presentation
- Charts and stands for the presentation
- Microphone for large rooms
- Handouts
- Glass of water
- Mirror
- Appropriate attire
