21 Tips for Spellbinding Speeches
© Eileen Kugler
- Find out as much as you can about your audience before
you prepare your speech.
- Focus on what your audience wants and needs to hear --
not what you want to tell them.
- As you prepare, give yourself an opportunity to think
creatively about your topic by tapping into creative times ... walking
the dog, taking a shower, other non-stressful times. When you get a
new idea, jot it down and put it in a folder for later use.
- Develop an overall theme for the presentation, and make
sure you keep to that theme throughout the speech
- Be very conscious of the length of time you are expected
to speak.
- Don't overload a short speech -- make just a few points,
and make them well.
- Use conversational language. Remember the spoken word
is different from the written word.
- Avoid jargon or acronyms. If you must use them, define
them clearly.
- Get the audience's attention with a strong opening. Customize
as much as possible.
- Mention something unique about your knowledge or approach
to the issue to establish credibility.
- Keep your audience focused on your theme through good
transitions between points.
- Add punch to a speech with a dramatic quotation from
a well-known source … but make sure it reinforces the points you
want to make.
- Use jokes or humorous stories to highlight a point, making
sure it keeps the audience's attention on your message, not distracts
from it.
- Use the closing to emphasize key points in a commanding
way.
- Before you go before any group, PRACTICE. Time yourself
to make sure you will stay within the limits. Don't worry if you say
it slightly differently every time you practice; the important thing
is to get your message across in clear, direct language.
- Don't read your speech! Practice your presentation until
you are so familiar with it that the words flow comfortably.
- Feel free to use a few note cards. Write down a few key
words or phrases that keep you on track. Even if you must write out
your entire speech for a formal record, don’t read it word for
word.
- Emphasize key points or illustrate themes with a simple
Power-Point presentation.
- Limit the information on each slide and make sure the
slides are easily read in the back of the room.
- Don't let the technology overshadow your message. YOU
are the messenger and the technology is there to support you.
- As you give your speech, make eye contact with audience
members as much as possible. Speak to each person "individually."
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