Have you been asked to prepare a speech but have you never spoken in public in your life? Don't worry! If you follow these simple tips, you will become a public speaking expert in no time!
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Planning the Speech
Step 1. Identify the topic of the speech
Choose a single message to convey instead of trying to cover several topics.
Step 2. Identify your audience
Will you speak in front of children or adults? Does your audience know nothing about the topic you will be addressing or are they an expert on it? Thinking about the target, it will be easier to set the subject.
Step 3. Consider your goals
A good speech should respond to the needs of the audience. Are you going to make people who listen to you laugh? Do you want to give a moral or do you want to communicate a sober and direct message so that your listeners can change their attitude? These questions will allow you to determine the tone of the speech.
Step 4. Think about the scenario in which you will give the speech
Will you speak in front of a small group or many people? In fact, if you have to deal with a few people, you can be more informal, while, if you have to speak in front of a lot of people, it is better to write a formal speech.
You may also be able to refocus or add points to your speech, in the case of a smaller audience, if you notice that some people seem to be interested in a particular topic
Part 2 of 5: Writing the Speech
Step 1. Write a short sentence about the topic you are going to cover
Try to use words that can immediately grab the audience's attention.
- Try starting with free writing. Write as much as possible on the chosen topic without worrying that everything is perfect. Once you are done with the draft, you can begin to refine and put everything in the correct order.
- Start with an anecdote or quote. Maybe someone else has used a catch phrase in the past that might come in handy. In case you use another person's words, cite the source.
- Watch out for jokes: if you don't know your audience well, it's best to avoid. In fact, a joke might be funny for you, but for someone else it might not be or even be offensive.
Step 2. Develop your theme in three or five points, concise and direct
- You can start looking for generic sources in the encyclopedia or Wikipedia but, after having assimilated the topic, you should make use of more authoritative resources.
- Use your experience and personal stories to talk about the topic. However, don't go too far with the stories, so as not to run the risk of losing the audience's attention.
Step 3. Decide if you want to write the whole speech or just lay down the general lines
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This choice depends on your knowledge of the subject. If you can afford to improvise, opt for the second option, writing guidelines on cards.
- Use the first tab to introduce the theme. The card should include the opening sentence.
- The first two cards will support each other. Then, create a card to give a conclusion, which will link to the main idea of the speech.
- Write snippets of sentences or just words on each card. Of course, both the snippets and the words should contain the key concepts that will make you remember what you want to say.
- If you feel insecure or are unfamiliar with the topic, write the entire speech.
Step 4. Decide if you should use a visual aid
You could make a PowerPoint presentation or use billboards with charts and tables.
- The images should be few: in fact, you will need them to enrich the speech, not to overshadow it.
- Make sure your audience can read the content of the visual material. Better to opt for fonts that are larger than necessary than run the risk of people not seeing anything.
- Check the means that you will have available in the room where you will deliver the speech. If you need internet or a projector, make sure the facility has the necessary equipment.
Step 5. Prepare notes to give to the public if the topic is technical and rich in detail
In this way, you can cover the most important points of the speech and, at the same time, give the audience a reference to review at a later time.
Step 6. Write a short autobiographical paragraph
Providing your credentials before the speech can help you set the mood, as well as give you the ability to list all your milestones without making them sound like a boast. Use this to get your audience to get an idea of who you are and take a moment to show not only your background but how you express yourself.
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If, on the other hand, you will be introduced by someone before giving the speech, this will help you to ensure that this person has all the necessary information about you.
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Part 3 of 5: Practice
Step 1. Set the timer
You should know the length of the speech. If you are unable to respect the time you have available, you may want to shorten or lengthen it. Maybe, remember to put in a few minutes to give the audience a chance to ask questions.
Step 2. Practice the speech in front of a friend or in front of the mirror
Try to look at people instead of just focusing on your notes.
If you have to drive to get there, you may want to practice repeating the memorized sentences of your speech. Don't get distracted by looking at the notes as you drive
Step 3. Speak calmly and clearly
Pause between sections of your speech so the audience can digest the information.
Step 4. Cross out the various points of the speech as you speak
If words sound unnatural or phrases sound weird when you say them out loud, modify them to flow fluently.
Step 5. Shoot yourself with a camera while practicing the speech
Analyze your appearance, your body language and your timing.
- Don't gesticulate too much, and if you do, try to be as natural as possible. Also avoid keeping your arms straight at your hips or clinging to the music rest with your hands.
- If you rehearse the speech in front of your friend and he makes constructive criticism of you, try to be open about his opinions.
Step 6. Try more than once
This will help you become more confident when you are on stage.
Part 4 of 5: Prepare for Speech Day
Step 1. Dress appropriately
For example, if you need to look authoritative, wear a formal suit. Go for colors that flatter you and use few accessories.
Step 2. Keep all the materials you will need in order
Bring any visual aids, your tablet or laptop, and a copy of the speech with you.
Step 3. Find out if a sound test is possible
If you are giving the speech in a small room, ask someone to stand in the back to see if they can hear you. In larger places, try the microphone.
Try to get there long before the audience. Take your time to make sure the sound and slides / cards are working perfectly. If it is a conference, you may have about 20 minutes to prepare. If you are the only speaker, you may arrive there at least an hour early
Step 4. Arrange all equipment
Make sure your computer, projector, and tripods are functional and positioned for easy viewing by the audience.
Step 5. Decide what to do with the photocopies to be delivered
You could place them on a table and ask attendees to take a copy or distribute them personally.
Step 6. Ask if it is possible to have a glass of water, which is essential especially if your speech is long
Step 7. Check yourself in the mirror before going on stage to check that your clothes, hair and any makeup are in place
Part 5 of 5: During the Speech
Step 1. Move your gaze from one point of the audience to another, don't focus on just one detail or one person
- Look the participants in the eye; if eye contact intimidates you, look over people's heads, or stare at a distant point in the room focusing on an object such as a clock or a painting.
- Look at all the participants, so that no one feels excluded.
Step 2. Speak slowly and try to breathe normally
In fact, the adrenaline might push you to speak in a hurry.
Step 3. Be self-deprecating if something goes wrong:
your audience will empathize with you and you won't lose your confidence.
Avoid leaving the stage if something goes wrong, despite the embarrassment. Make a joke if you can, don't think about it and continue without fear
Step 4. Give the audience a chance to interact with you
Ask questions. The audience may also have questions for you, so before you leave the stage at the end of the talk, you may want to investigate points that you may have missed or didn't consider. Thank the audience with a smile, a small nod, or a slight bow, if appropriate.
Don't forget to prepare a Q&A session at the end of the speech. Try to predict the questions they might ask, so that you can keep the answers ready
Advice
- If you decide to read directly from a sheet, print it using a large, clear font. Insert the pages of the speech in transparent envelopes to put in a binder, so that you can comfortably pass from one sheet to another. Either way, don't forget to frequently watch your audience, to keep them interested.
- The biggest mistake you can make is writing too long a speech. In order not to bore the audience, make a short one and respect the time you have available.
