Welcome Traffic Toastmasters History Meeting Information Speaking Roles Agenda Speaking Tips Other Resources Frequently Asked Questions Toastmaster Events Contact Us		<< back to speaking tips Seven Secrets of a Successful Speech (1) Know your audience: Even seasoned professional speakers sometimes forget to do all their homework and wind up feeling foolish. Don't make the mistake one well-known writer did when she gave a presentation on preparing for Easter, from making the baskets to what to serve for Easter dinner, to a group of Jewish women who did not celebrate the holiday. (2) Focus your topic: Given the limited attention span of even the most interested audiences, your presentation will be more successful if you explore one topic in great detail rather than give perfunctory information about a number of topics. Be sure you have determined in advance if your objective is to inform or to persuade your audience. (3) Prepare adequately: Make sure your information is relevant and on the level of the people in your audience. Collect your information by putting ideas on small pieces of paper or sticky notes. Then organize then considering our purpose, audience, and logistics (How will the room be set up? Will you be speaking first or last? Will anything else be going on during your presentation?) When making your main points, be certain to have supporting data - have it available even if you don't use it all. Keep your language simple, avoiding jargon and buzz words. Use examples, stories or anecdotes to highlight key points. (4) Write the introduction and conclusion: Your audience will remember most what was said first and last. On an airplane flight, takeoff and landing are when a crash is most likely to happen. In your presentation, the same holds true. You want your introduction and conclusion to be memorable - not for their "crash and burn," but for their impact and strength. The introduction should include the benefit of your speech. The conclusion should summarize your key points and end with a strong finish. (5) Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your speech at least three times out loud. Practicing in your head where you are eloquent won't work as well. If you will be delivering your speech standing up, the practice the same way.. Tape record yourself and take notes on how to improve. Remember, if you don't find your presentation interesting, no one else will. (6) Arrive early: Make sure the room is set up correctly, and that the microphone and any visual aids are working. Make sure an extra bulb is available if you will be using a projector of any kind. If possible, be available to introduce yourself and shake hands with your audience as they arrive. This will make them more receptive to you. (7) Handle questions and answers with tact: Having prepared your speech thoroughly, you will be ready for most questions. Answer them as briefly and concisely as you can. However, occasionally there will be someone whose only objective is to stump you or put you on the defensive. If you don't know the answer, say so. Don't try to make one up. Tell the questioner that you will find out the answer and get back to them. Knowing how to create and deliver an effective speech helps you to project a positive image of yourself and your organization. Use these Seven Tips as a valuable tool to help you achieve your goals. Taken from "the Toastmaster", written by Marjorie Brody, president of Brody Communications, Ltd., Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
Site Donated by www.WayneMessick.com