Giving a speech? Try these strategies for success

Need to give a speech? You have two things to work on – the content and the delivery. Here are some tips to help make your speech the toast of the occasion.

Content

Keep it simple

Shorter is almost always better!

Listeners want two or three main points, and they want them clear and interesting. Start with your main points and build a concise speech from them.

Get the tone right

Engage your listeners when you first take the mike. Ask a question, tell a (funny) joke, or share an interesting fact.

Consider your audience carefully. Many a 21^st speech has been rendered absolutely awful by the fact that it was written for peers, but witnessed by mothers, fathers and grandparents!

Make it memorable

Repetition is the key to leaving an impression. Stick to a few main points which you illustrate using different stories and facts, but keep reiterating those main points.

End well. Your speech should close with your key message or point, and be something memorable. A quote, story or anecdote can be the perfect way to finish.

Presentation

Before the night

Practice beforehand. Record yourself giving the speech and notice whether you use ‘fillers’ like um, ah. Keep practicing until you don’t.

On the night

Look the part. Dress for the occasion!

Ensure you know how to use the microphone. Practice with it if possible.

Eye contact and a relaxed stance engage your audience well.

Speak more slowly than you usually would.

Our biggest tip? 

This really isn't about you. Speeches are not about the person giving the speech; they are about the audience. Remember that you are there to make others think, or laugh, or celebrate together. If you can take your own jitters out of the equation you will enjoy yourself much more, and you will focus on what really matters - ensuring others get the most they possibly can from the speech you are giving.

If you need help preparing your speech, or advice on speech presentation, please contact us on belynda.smith@gmail.com and we'll be happy to support you.