Public Speaking--Ten Tips To Great Speeches

By: Michael Russell

Public speaking can be a daunting task for many people. They are instinctually afraid of standing up in front of their peers to speak. Here are ten tips to help you overcome those fears.

First, know what your objectives and key points are. Remember, you have a valuable opportunity to speak to this group of people, and you have a point to get across. Time is valuable, and the people in your audience do not want their time to be wasted so do not do so. Get to the point as quickly as you can.

Next, know your audience. If you can, talk to a few people from the audience before you begin speaking. This will help you to know what the needs are for this particular audience. You will get a feel for the values and level of understanding of the people you are talking to this time.

Next, sketch out in your mind what you are going to talk about. How are you going to get your audience involved in the discussion? How are you going to move from point to point? Is there one particular thing you want your audience to take from your talk? These considerations will help you stay on track once you begin.

When preparing your speech, make sure you use good sources. Create a database on your computer that allows you to input the author, date, source, topic, and a summary of your research. This will allow you easy access to the information when you begin preparing your speech. Make sure you let your audience know some of your sources, in a non-threatening way. This gives your information credibility.

Be sweet and to the point. Write down what you want to say, and each point should be less than one hundred words. By writing it down you will ensure that you do not throw in needless information. Remember that the first few words of your point are going to be the most important in your speech.

Next, practice! Keep in mind that a ten-minute talk is between 1600-1800 words. Try taping the speech, and then listen to it. Pay attention to the things you did not say, and the things you did not need to say. Edit accordingly.

When you give your speech, treat it like you are talking to your audience, not reading a script. Look people in the eye, and have a conversation with them. Use an outline, not a script. This will help you to stay on track, but prohibit reading the information.

Consider bringing a handout, specifically if you are giving an informational talk. This will give your audience a focal point, and the ability to follow along. Also, if the media will be following your speech, this will give them a reliable reference.

Watch your audience for feedback during your speech. Look for attention signs. If they are looking at you with interest, you are doing a good job. If they are fidgeting and looking all around, you need to step it up a notch.

Finally, have a question and answer session at the end of your speech. Think about the questions people will have on your topic. Have prepared answers ready. Do not be afraid to say you don't know if you don't. Refrain from making up answers, but be prepared for whatever you possibly can.

Public speaking is a scary endeavor, but proper preparation can make it a lot easier. Take these tips to heart, and keep them in mind the next time you have a public speaking opportunity.