Being asked to give a speech can be intimidating if you've never done it before.Don't fret!If you follow these simple tips, you will be a public speaking pro in no time.
Step 1: Discuss the topic of your speech.
Instead of trying to cover multiple topics, choose a single focused message.Like the thesis of an essay, what you say should connect to your main point.
Step 2: Place a pin on your audience.
Do you speak to children or adults?Are you speaking to people who don't know anything about your topic or are experts on it?Understanding your audience will help you target your speech.
Step 3: You should consider your motives.
The audience needs a good speech.Are you trying to make people laugh?Are you communicating a sober and direct message so that you can change their behavior or are you trying to build their morale?The questions will set the tone for your speech.
Step 4: Think about the place.
Is it a speech for a small group or a large audience?You can add in time for questions if you interact with a smaller audience.You may need to stick to a structure with a larger audience.If you notice a number of people in your audience are interested in a particular topic, you may be able to add more points to your speech.
Step 5: A single-sentence statement is a good way to describe your subject.
If you want to grab the attention of your audience, try to write something that will hook them.Start the speech writing process with free-writing.As fast as you can, write about your subject.Don't worry about judgement or crafting perfect sentences.You can start refining your points once you have your paper.An anecdote or a quote can be used.Someone else has said it better than you.It's possible to get things started with a quote.Always credit your source, and be sure to look for a quote that is surprising or unique.Unless you know your audience well, be cautious about opening with a joke.You may think a joke is funny, but your audience may find it offensive.
Step 6: You can choose from 3 to 5 supporting points.
Make sure your points are direct and concise.You can start by looking at generic sources, but you need to check out more authoritative sources after you understand your subject.You can draw on your own experience.Your experiences and personal stories can be great resources if you have a long history with your topic.Keep these stories short so that you don't lose the audience's attention.
Step 7: If you want to keep your speech on point, choose how to do that.
Decide if you want to write out your speech or outline it on index cards.Take your comfort level into account with the topic.Use index cards if you know the topic well.The introduction should be used with one card.Your opening statement should be on this card.You can use 1 or 2 cards for each point.The main idea of your speech should guide the creation of 1 card for the conclusion.Write a few words on your cards.Key phrases that remind you of what you want to say should be in these words.If you don't know what you're talking about, write out your speech in a way that you want to say it.
Step 8: Should you use visual aids?
Depending on the size of your audience and length of speech, you can choose to use visual aids.A long speech may be easier to digest with some visual aids.You can either use paper-based charts and graphs with your speech, or you can use a Prezi presentation.The visuals must be kept to a minimum.You want them to help your speech.Should technical problems occur, make sure your speech can stand on its own.The audience can read your visuals.Too big is better than not big enough.You should check the facilities of the room where you will be speaking.If you need internet or a projection screen, make sure the facility has the equipment.Arrive early to make sure the room is ready for your speech.
Step 9: If your subject is technical, you should prepare handouts.
That way, you can cover the most important points in your speech while giving the audience a reference for the more detailed points that they can keep for later.
Step 10: An introduction about yourself is needed.
It's a good idea to give your credentials before your speech to help set your tone and give you the chance to list them.If someone will be you before your speech, then introducing this introduction before is helpful."smallUrl": "://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/Do-Research-Step-19.jpg"
Step 11: Set a timer.
You need to know how long your speech is.You may need to shorten or lengthen the speech if you can't deliver it within the allotted time.If appropriate, include time for a Q&A period.
Step 12: A friend or a mirror is a good place to practice your speech.
It's a good idea to look up at your audience so that your eyes aren't on your notes.It is important to include your visual aids in your practice.You can practice a speech while driving if you drive a regular commute.Don't look at note cards while on the road.
Step 13: Speak slowly and clearly.
Your audience can digest information if you pause between the parts of your speech.
Step 14: You can mark up your speech with a pen or pencil.
If words sound weird to you or a sentence is awkward, mark them out and make them sound natural.
Step 15: A video recording can be made.
As you make the speech, record yourself.Look at your appearance, body language and delivery.Make sure that your gestures are natural.Don't fix your arms at your sides or hold your hands to the podium.If you make a speech to a friend or colleague and they give you constructive criticism, try to be open to what they have to say.If they don't know your topic or industry, their criticism may do more harm than good.
Step 16: It is advisable to practice a few times.
You will feel more confident on-stage if you have delivered your speech multiple times.
Step 17: It's appropriate to dress appropriately.
Pick formal business attire if you want to appear authoritative.Keep accessories to a minimum, and choose a color that flatters you.
Step 18: Make sure that you have everything in order.
You need to bring your visuals, your laptop, and your speech copy.
Step 19: Ask for a sound check.
If you're in a small room, ask someone to stand at the back of the room to see if they can hear you.If you want your speech to be not too faint or distorted, use the microphone in a larger facility.You should arrive at your presentation before your audience.Run through your visual aids and make sure the sound is good.15-20 minutes is a good amount of time to prepare for a conference.You could get there an hour in advance if you're the sole speaker.
Step 20: You need to set up your equipment.
The computer, projection screen and easels should be positioned so that they are visible to your audience.
Step 21: What to do with your handouts?
You can either place them on a table for audience members to retrieve or pass them out in an orderly fashion.
Step 22: You should ask for a glass of water.
If your speech is long, you will need some water.
Step 23: Before you go on stage, look in a mirror.
Make sure that the front and back of your outfit are clean and that your makeup is not smudged.
Step 24: Look around the room.
Don't focus on only one person.Make eye contact with your audience.If eye contact is too intense for you, look above their heads at a clock or painting.Look at both sides of the room.Don't favor either the right or left.Make your audience feel included in the presentation by moving your eyes around.
Step 25: Speak slowly and try to breathe normally.
The natural rush that you will have in front of your audience can make you want to speak quickly.Have a smile on your face.
Step 26: If something goes wrong, laugh at yourself.
Simply say thank you and leave the stage if you forget your speech.Your audience will find you easy to relate to, and you won't lose their confidence in your knowledge of your subject.If something goes wrong, never leave the stage.If you can, make a joke, shake it off, and move on.
Step 27: Your audience can interact with you.
Ask questions.Before leaving the podium at the end of your speech, have them ask you questions, so you can touch up on some points that you overlooked and/or left out.If appropriate, acknowledge your audience with a smile, nod or bow.You should build time for any Q and A into your presentation time.You can control the flow of the Q and A if you do that.After the last question, let your audience know that you would like to deliver a powerful closer.