For example, will you be presenting to people who are relatively new to the topic, or are you speaking at a professional event where people will have some familiarity? You’ll need to adjust your material to fit their needs. You want to avoid talking over people’s heads, but you also want to avoid giving them a lot of information they already know. Similarly, your presentation will differ depending on how the audience views you. If they see you as an expert on the topic, your speech should convey that knowledge and authority.
If your topic is serious in nature, you may use a grave tone. Alternatively, you might choose a humorous tone for a speech delivered at a celebratory dinner. Generally you can use a conversational tone for any speech, regardless of the topic or size of the audience. Most important is to be authentic! Keep in mind that you don’t need to use the same tone for your entire speech. For example, your presentation may start out serious but end with a fun, interactive segment. In this case, you’d want to adjust your tone as the presentation progressed.
If you know a lot about your topic, you might want to start writing your speech before doing research. This way you won’t waste time reviewing information you already know. For example, a biologist may be able to give a speech about cell division without doing additional research. Similarly, you’d likely be able to write a speech for your parents’ anniversary without conducting research. If you don’t know much about your topic, do a little research, and then start outlining your speech. For example, if you were giving a speech to celebrate a local landmark, you might want to look up the history of the landmark and important details before you start writing.
Stick to 3-5 main points in a single speech. Avoid providing so much information that the reader can’t retain it. After you have a basic outline, you can make notes about what you want to say under each bullet point. You don’t need to write full sentences. Just write down enough words for you to remember what you want to say. An example thesis for a speech might look like this: “In this new exhibit, the artist’s personal history and passion for color come together to recreate a world that the viewer can almost touch. ”
Ideally, your hook should come within the first 30 seconds of your speech. [5] X Research source For example, “Like you, I once struggled to organize my time. Now, I get more done in a day than I did in an entire week,” or “When I started my research, I asked myself one question: How can we achieve the impossible?”
Audiences love to hear personal stories! They are one of the best ways to make your speech engaging and to pull the audience in. [6] X Research source For example, you might start a speech about your scientific research by telling a story about a mishap from your first day in the lab. You might open a training presentation at work with a joke about work meetings.
Consider your audience again. What do they expect to get out of your speech? What is their knowledge level? Use this information to consider what kinds of questions they may ask.
You may also want to jot down a few words to remind yourself of important concepts that you don’t want to forget. Don’t write out full sentences, as this is more likely to trip you up. Just write the key words. Note cards work well, but some people may prefer to print out an outline on paper.
For example, you may plan your speech for a group of experts but realize on the night of your presentation that the audience has less background knowledge than you expected. In this case, you could present less of the material you’d planned to share but provide more explanation so that a beginner will understand.
You may want to film yourself more than once if you have things you want to work on. Alternatively, you could have your friend watch you practice the speech and then give a critique. [10] X Research source
It’s best to practice your speech a few times before you start timing it, so that your delivery is smooth. At first, you might spend a few extra seconds here and there trying to remember what it is you wanted to say.
Don’t try to memorize your whole speech. Not only is this difficult, but it can make your delivery a bit robotic. Knowing just the main points will keep your flow natural.
Get used to presenting alongside your visual aids without reading directly from them, as people don’t like being read to. Keep in mind that there may be technical issues and you may not be able to access a powerpoint or prezi. Make sure you can deliver your speech without these things, if necessary.
Stand by the door and greet people. Introduce yourself to people as they find their seats. If you’re sitting in the audience before your speech, talk to the people around you.
Don’t stress! Trust yourself to remember what you need to say.
It helps to breathe deeply as you’re giving your speech so that you’re less likely to talk too fast.
However, you should avoid nervous gestures. Make sure your movements are intentional, not a result of fidgeting. [14] X Research source
For example, if your audience is laughing at your jokes, let the room quiet down before continuing. If they aren’t laughing, but are smiling or nodding, you don’t need to cut out your jokes. Recognize that larger audiences may provide more intense reactions than smaller ones, as people feel less self-conscious in large groups. If your audience seems to be lost, you might lighten your tone and give more explanations.
Don’t read from slides, as people don’t enjoy being read to. [17] X Research source You can use audio-visual aids in fun ways to add to your presentation. For example, you might include a short video about the latest discoveries in your field. [18] X Research source
Ask the audience to repeat your key phrases. You could also get the audience to make a particular sound or gesture at certain points in the speech. Ask the audience to offer examples or suggestions. Take audience questions.
For example, if you are boisterous and lively in life, then be like that when you speak. However, don’t try to force yourself to act that way if it isn’t natural.
Imagine your presentation going well. Focus on the purpose of your speech rather than your nervous feelings. Breathe deeply to calm yourself. Jog in place or wave your arms above your head to burn off nervous energy. Limit your caffeine consumption before you’re scheduled to present.
