How to Pull Off a Speech
By Kate Parsons
How to Choose a Topic
Secondly, make sure you know what your audience is interested in. You wouldn't talk about the economic repercussions of war to a group of kindergartners, nor tell a group of seniors how to read and write. It is important to give information that is relevant and important to your audience.
Lastly, pick a topic that you are interested and invested in. Being interested in a topic will dictate how passionate you are and how much effort you put into your speech. Pick something you care about, something you want to learn about, or something you already know about.
Where do I Research?
Using online resources can give you more current information, but should be taken with a grain of salt, as all information should be. You should also try reaching out to experts and do interviews with peers to get opinions and such.
What's a Thesis?
Write one and use it to guide your outline of the speech. For example; "The blue ringed octopus is a very interesting animal, with a unique eating pattern, lifespan, and body structure." This gives your audience an idea of what they will be learning.
Outline
I Introduction
Hook (which can be)
Statistics, quotes, rhetorical questions, history, define keywords, personal story, dazzle them with the basics
Thesis statement
Transition to next paragraph
II Body Paragraph
First main point
At least three supporting details
Transition to next paragraph
III Body Paragraph
Second main point
At least three supporting details
Transition to next paragraph
IV Body Paragraph
Third main point
At least three supporting details
Transition to next paragraph
V Conclusion
Summarize thesis
Touch on a few main points
Thank the audience
Word Choice Tips
When delivering your speech, alliteration and assonance do wonders for concentration, and help hammer in the information to your audience. Rhetorical questions can also be used to give a bigger punch, and are asked for effect, not an answer. Parallelism is the use of the same pattern of words to show the same level of importance, as seen in Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech given during the March on Washington. Comparing two different subjects also helps the audience understand and comprehend the information, so try to use more similes and metaphors in your speeches. Repeating pieces of information also helps to make an impact on the audience and make sure they remember that fact.
Practice!
Delivery Tips
You should also try to memorize your introduction and conclusion. It's like taking a journey; you know the starting point and end point, and those will help you find the way between them.
When speaking to an audience, you should always project your voice, even if there is a microphone. A microphone can't magically make you sound confident, but louder. The inflection and passion you put into your speech is important. Remember, a controlled passion is admirable, but being monotone or shouting at your audience will get you nowhere.
Next, make sure to keep eye contact with your audience. Connect with each section to make sure all feel included; if one feels excluded, it will severely affect how your speech turns out. Try not to focus on only one section of the audience, too, as the specific attention can make them feel awkward and they won't really be listening to your speech.
Make sure all audience members can see any props you use; a good rule of thumb is to make sure the back can see them and the very front can see them; if both check out, the rest of the audience should be able to see your props.
When using a podium, try not to become attached to it. Leaning on the podium or grabbing it leaves no room for emphasis with your hands. Try to move around the stage, but only with purpose. Pacing distracts your audience. Be sure to keep a steady posture; avoid hunching over, swaying, or standing on your toes!
What now?
Now, get out there and write your next speech!