Whether it’s a work presentation, a sales pitch, or a keynote at a conference, you may have to give a speech at some point. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but the following seven tips will help you deliver a memorable speech that your audience will enjoy.
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Have a core message
Your core message is the main point or takeaway you want to leave your audience with. It serves as the foundation for your speech, tying all your arguments and supporting facts together.
For example, in 2005, Steve Jobs gave the commencement address at Stanford University. This speech’s core message was to find what you love and trust that the dots will connect along the way. Throughout his address, Jobs shared various anecdotes about being adopted, never graduating from college, getting fired from Apple, and being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. However, each of these personal stories reinforced his core message.
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Understand your audience
Next, you want to understand your audience because this will inform the content of your speech and delivery. The language you use and the examples you share will depend on the audience you’re speaking to. As you learn more about your audience, consider the circumstances that brought them together.
For instance, when Steve Jobs delivered his famous 2005 speech, he was addressing college graduates on the verge of entering the workforce. His audience undoubtedly influenced his core message of following your passion and trusting the journey. Instead of delivering a traditional business speech or talking about Apple, he shared stories that his audience could relate to.
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Outline and draft your speech
Now, it’s time to organize your information and ideas into a detailed outline. Organizing your information will make it easier once it’s time to sit down and write the speech. Your outline should include three main parts:
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the information you’ll be sharing. It’s a good idea to start with a story that will catch your audience’s attention. From there, you can allude to what you’ll be sharing and the conclusion you’ll reach.
- Body: The body of your speech is where you’ll highlight the overarching points you’re trying to make. But be careful not to throw too much information at your audience—two to three main points are enough. Make sure you have smooth transitions between each of the main points you’re making.
- Conclusion: During the conclusion, you’ll summarize your core message and what the audience should take away from the speech. Look for ways to end your speech on a strong note so the audience understands why this topic matters and how they can take action.
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Even if you’re presenting a data-driven speech, you can incorporate storytelling to create a lasting impact on your audience.
Do your research
Once you’ve outlined your speech, you can begin researching and drafting your speech. Having an outline ensures you don’t spread yourself too thin during the research process. It provides structure, so you don’t spend a lot of time researching information you don’t need.
During the research process, it’s important to keep a detailed bibliography to prevent confusion between sources and ideas. Use a variety of sources so you can present a balanced view to your audience.
From there, you can start drafting your speech. Don’t try to make your speech perfect during the drafting stage—just try to get your ideas on paper. You can come back to revise and improve your speech later.
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Use storytelling for impact
Even if you’re presenting a data-driven speech, you can incorporate storytelling to create a lasting impact on your audience. Storytelling involves using your life experiences and ideas to connect with your audience. Steve Jobs’ commencement address is one example of storytelling, but another good example is former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.
Schultz talks about growing up in Brooklyn public housing and how his father was injured at work and left without a safety net. This hardship was what motivated Schultz to create a company that provides benefits even to part-time employees.
Continue revising your speech
Great speeches take time to write, so you should allow time for practicing and revising your speech as needed. You can practice your speech in front of a friend or family member, ask for their feedback, and then adjust your speech accordingly.
As you’re revising, focus on improving the clarity and flow of your speech. Look for any areas that are too general or vague, and try to come up with specific examples that support your core message.
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Time your speech for maximum engagement
Getting the timing right is essential if you want to keep your audience interested and engaged. If you talk too fast or your speech drags on for too long, you risk losing your audience. As you’re rehearsing your speech, practice with a timer to ensure your speech is the correct length.
Presentations can be unpredictable, and you may find yourself in a situation where your speaking time is unexpectedly cut. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a short and long version of your speech. This preparation enables you to quickly switch to the shorter version if the situation requires it.
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