Art Of Great Speaking

Once you have decided to give a speech, you are faced with choice between delivering an impromptu speech or taking the time to prepare for it.

Not many people are suited to impromptu speaking (although sometimes it is unavoidable), and usually the most effective public speaking comes from thorough preparation. Thorough preparation also builds self-confidence.

Here is an outline of the steps for developing a successful speech:

1.    Know your subject.
2.    Ask yourself the question: How can I help the audience?
3.    Before preparing a speech:
(a) Think about it for several days,(but don’t take too long
(b) Research – books, newspapers etc
(c)  Ask questions – organizers, experts of the filed etc
4.    What kind of a speech are you going to make?
(a)    Impart information.
(b)    Persuade.
(c)    Inspire.
(d)    An after-dinner speech.
5.     The main steps must be:
The opening.
Creation of interest.
Creation of confidence.
The body of the speech (which will be sub-divided into several steps or main points).
The close.
6.    Write down the sub-heads which will apply to each step.
7.    Cut out information of little importance.
8.    Devise a good opening sentence for each point.
9.    Illuminate each point  with one, some or all of the following:
(a)    Use statistics to prove your point.
(b)    Present facts to prove your point.

(c)    Give an historical fact in an interesting way
(d)    Tell an anecdote.
(e)    Tell a funny story.
(ƒ)    Give an analogy.
(g)     Give a quotation.
(h)     Recite a poem or part of a poem.

10. Remember these guidelines:
Statistics—make them interesting.
Quotations—make them relevant.
Anecdotes—consider using a personal story    .

I believe this blueprint can help anyone develop an effective public speaking speech or presentation. In the posts that follow I will expand on the points to further explain the steps.

There are many different ways that a speaker can close their speech. An effective speaker chooses the close that is best for the purpose of their speech and best reflects their personality.

Here are 5 closes that have proved effective in closing speeches:-

The Fear Close

Fear is a powerful emotion and can be used very effectively to achieve your purpose. Be careful to use it in a “positive” way – moving people from something that is bad for them to something that will be positive for them.

The speaker details the negative consequences of ignoring the speaker’s advice to “frighten” them into taking their advice e.g. – preventing heart attack, preventing crime, etc.

The Alternative Close

As the name suggests the audience is given a choice between two types of action. The speakers preferred action is spoken about in positive terms, while the alternative is portrayed in a negative way.

Foe example, in a political speech, the speaker may end their speech as follows: “will you take a gamble on unproven policies or are you going to continue to move forward with the party that has delivered on its’ promises.

The Question Close

A question at the end of a speech will mean the audience will remember it. They will go away trying to think of an answer to it. If it is given earlier in the speech the audience will probably have forgotten about it by the end.

The Give-Away Close

This is effective and commonly used where you are “selling” something e.g. subscriptions, donations, products etc. A discount or a bonus is given away if the listener takes a certain action. Combining it with a time deadline or a limited quantity will create greater urgency.

The Story Close

Stories can be effective in any part of the speech. To be truly effective the story needs to relevant and interesting. The best stories include a human interest element and contain some drama, suspense and action.

The close of the speech plays a vital role in leaving the audience with the right of impression. Many speakers use only one close because they become comfortable with it. An effective speaker uses the close that is most effective given the situation.
For further information please refer to my previous posts:

Effective public speaking closes
How to Prepare Your Conclusion

People consider openings to be important for special occasions and events. They will think about them for weeks to get the right words, e.g. when the young man is going to propose or when the employee is going to their boss to ask for a raise.
In the same way a good opening is important in public speaking. Many public speakers are aware of this but will use the same standard opening to every speech. An effective speaker will use a variety of openings depending on the type of speech they are giving.
There are a variety of openings that can be used but here are a few to be avoided;
1.    Thanking too many people
Too many speakers bring in too many names when beginning their speech. It is unnecessary. The fewer names used the better.
2.    Apologizing for speaking
Make it a rule to never apologize about your speech. It starts the speech off on a negative note.
3.    A long introduction
Keep the introduction brief. Too long and the audience will wonder if the speech is ever going to start.
When starting your speech begin in a low key manner. Many speeches that start with a bang then fizzle out as the momentum can’t be kept up. It is much better to start off in a low key manner and build up the momentum through the speech.
There are many different ways that a speech can get started. It doesn’t matter which opening is used as long as it is relevant to the speech, it doesn’t take too long and it starts the speech on a positive note.
My next post will include some ways that effective speakers have used to opening speech the right way.

Speech preparation plays an important part in effective delivery and being able to speak with confidence. Careful and thorough preparation leads naturally to self confidence. You will be more familiar with your subject and will be able talk as an expert in your topic.
Careful preparation invoices a number of actions to be fully prepared. One important aspect is the organization and outlining of your speech.  The recent posts to my blog cover various points to assist in this;
(1)    Organizing Your Speech – Overview of an organized speech and the benefits to the speaker and the audience.
(2)    Introduction – provide a useful template on how to structure an introduction to ensure that the speech gets started on the right foot.
(3)    Conclusion – the components to include in closing the speech to finish on a strong note.
(4)    Main body structure – how to organize a speech so that it is easy for the audience to understand and it is also easier for the speaker to remember their speech.
(5)    Working Outline – How this helps in getting an overview of the speech to ensure everything is included in the speech, there are no unnecessary overlaps or conflicting information.
(6)    Speaking Outline – how this can help the speaker deliver an effective speech
Investing time in speech organization helps the speaker know what is coming next due to the logical structure of the speech. The message is clearer to the audience because it makes it easier for them to follow the speaker’s reasoning.  This will lead naturally to more confident public speaking and speaking to groups.
To learn more tips to speak with confidence in public speaking and conversation please visit www.SelfConfidentSpeaking.com to claim your free preview of The Art of Great conversation

There are two types of outline that are useful in the preparation and delivering of a speech or presentation. The working outline helps in the preparation of a speech and the speaking outline is used by the speaker to assist them in the delivering the speech.

Once the speech has been prepared, the speaker will be familiar with the content but may not be able to remember the order and what they are to present. The speaking outline can help in this situation.

A speaking outline is a very brief outline of the main points and sub-points of the speech using clear and simple words or phrases. The speaking outline will help the speaker recall the order of the speech and what is to be presented.

A speaking outline can be used in the following ways:

(i) Memorizing the outline so that it will not be forgotten. By writing and speaking it several times (from memory) the outline will be remembered. If something is forgotten or the order is mixed up, refer back to the working outline to refresh your memory.
(ii) Writing it on a single piece of paper so that it all can be seen at a single glance. This is especially useful if you have a podium or lectern to rest it on.
(iii) Writing out brief notes on index cards so that they can be help in your hand. This can help you to move freely and not be tied to one spot.

If you need to quote verbatim a large amount of information for the sake of accuracy the speaking outline should include this information.

A speaking outline will help you keep on track when presenting without preventing you from connecting to your audience – you are free to maintain eye contact, gesture and move.