You have just been asked to deliver a speech at one of the important seminars in your field. What’s your first reaction? Do you get excited and start preparing for it straight away or do you dread the moment as you think it will be a disaster given the fact that you are a poor speaker.
Well public speaking is a challenge for a lot of people, don’t feel alone. It’s not always a god gifted trait and you can learn how to prepare and deliver a great speech. Most of the successful entrepreneurs featured here on moomkin.com would agree. Here are a several things you can and do and follow in order to deliver a killer speech.
1. What is the Purpose?
Perhaps the most important aspect is the perfect understanding of why you are speaking. What is the outcome from this speech that you desire? Is it a proposal speech or a rebuttal? Are you addressing a problem or just giving your view on some topic? These are very important questions as they set the tone of the speech. Remember the reason why you are speaking will decide how you are speaking.
2. Who is out there? – Know your Audience
The importance of knowing your audience cannot be emphasized any less. If you don’t know your audience, then you run the risk of giving an inappropriate speech. Remember, the audience will decide what and how you speak. Learn everything about your audience that you can. What is their demographic mix, their knowledge about the subject, their opinions on the same? How the degree, the problem or issue you are addressing affects them? It is recommended that you get this information before hand from the organizers.
3. Have a Crisp and Structured Speech
While this is something which requires a separate discussion, however the key pieces that you need to be sure of are – the Opening Statement, headline or main talking points, examples to buttress your opinion, summarization, ending statement and finally questions. Keep the impromptu part to a minimum and write down brief notes on each piece described above. Have fillers that will both keep the audience interested and in good mood. Don’t be too narrative neither too short, however keep the length of your speech tight as research shows that the audience interest dwindles very fast after the first 10 minutes.
3. Practice makes perfect
Remember this adage and keep practicing. Don’t expect that writing a great speech means the job is done. This is not true even for the most seasoned speakers. Take time to get comfortable with the content and your speech will improve significantly. Read your speech aloud in a way you will actually speak preferably standing in front of a mirror. Time your speech, allowing for the fact that speaking live will be a bit slower than alone. Correct yourself and keep practicing again and again.
5. Deliver the Goods
You will know a good speaker instantly. They are confident and comfortable with the audience and the words in front of them. Similarly people also spot a weak speaker when they see one. They tend to read from the text without emotion of conviction. If you are not naturally gifted with great oratory skill then memorize the key speaking point and then build upon them by occasionally looking at the written text or the cue cards.
6. Voice
Voice modulation, tone, volume, rhythm all are very important aspects and that is why rehearsals are key to your delivering a killer speech. Pronunciation and grammar are very important especially of proper nouns like names of people or places. Avoid using pauses like “hmm”, “uh”, “ah” etc. If you stumble don’t panic re-gather yourself quickly apologize and move on.
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7. Body Language and Humor
Back up your content with confident body language and eye contact. When facing the audience stand up straight and project your voice. Make eye contact with the front rows rather than staring at the back. Smile occasionally on the audience reactions. Maintain a correct posture, don’t grasp the lectern by the sides or even slump over it. If you are going well then you can step to the side of the lectern as it reflects your confidence and it also removes a barrier between the audience and you. Having humor and jokes in your speech is not a bad idea, however it should be subtle and personalized, so that it connects with the audience. Secondly, be sure of the audience preferences before cracking jokes as it can be counterproductive.
8. The Ending
A strong finish is as important as the beginning. It is the lasting impression that the audience carries. Don’t look in a hurry after delivering your speech and start gathering your notes, pause and look at the audience. Don’t give impression that you are relieved that your speech has ended. Maintain your poise till the applause or the reactions from the audience end and the next agenda is announced.
What are some of the Tips that you use to deliver a Killer Speech! Please share
From: http://ping.fm/7JKlo
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