Preparing for a Speech
The key to effective speaking is preparing well before the event. Preparatory activities can be divided into three main areas:
- Knowing your audience: Start by figuring out the three Ws of your audience–who they are, why they are attending, and what they care about.
- Structuring your speech: Write an outline of your presentation and make sure that your line of argument is crystal clear.
- Rehearsing the speech: Although this is hard work, there is no other way to get comfortable with your speech so you can appear confident and natural.
Takeaways
1. After introducing yourself to your audience, tell a joke and let your audience know that it is okay to laugh. A more relaxed audience makes for a more effective speech.
2. Next, use your introduction to explain why your topic is relevant. Then provide an explicit road map so that the audience can easily follow your line of argument.
3. End your presentation with a few takeaways and, if possible, an emotional crescendo.
4. Don’t write out the full text of your speech; use a one-page outline instead. This makes your speech more vibrant and allows more improvisation.
5. Arrive early so that you can scope out the venue, the attendees, and any speakers slated before you. You want to gauge the mood of the crowd and the tone of the other speakers.
6. It’s normal to get nervous before speaking in front of others. But don’t fall into a downward spiral by worrying about your own anxiety.
7. Engage with your audience: wander around the room; ask questions of your audience and make them take a stand, or offer suggestions.
8. Keep your speech as short as feasible–thirty minutes is usually as long as you want to go.
9. Allow time at the end for a Q&A session. Be prepared for what types of questions may be asked.
10. Get feedback–a video recording is best, but a frank colleague can also be helpful.
* Source: Extreme Productivity by Robert C. Pozen