For many people, being asked to make a speech in public can be a terrifying experience. Maybe it's been years since you gave a speech, are worried that you'll make a fool of yourself on an important occasion or just don't know what you're going to say.
Here are my top ten tips for writing and delivering a fantastic speech.
- Research your subject thoroughly - turning up on the day and trying to improvise just isn't going to work. As the old saying goes, if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail, it's a cliché but it's true. The internet is an invaluable research tool if used correctly. Try to make your speech original and unique though, people tend to get bored listening to the same old stuff.
- Give your speech a clear structure - like every good story your speech should have a beginning, middle and an end. This will not only help you but also help keep the attention of your audience.
- Practise your speech - Don't leave it to the night before to practise your speech, go over it at every opportunity and get someone else's feedback if you can.
- Use cue cards - By practising your speech a lot you should have it down to a tee but nerves can get to us all. A good way to avoid forgetting your words is to use cue cards with key points written on them just to jog your memory. Don't be tempted to write the whole speech down as you'll end up staring at the cards and ignoring your audience.
- Don't get drunk - Nerves are only natural. Drinking alcohol before delivering your speech is not a good idea. You don't want to be too relaxed, use your nervous energy to get you through it. If you do need a drink, wait until you're down and then you can relax and really enjoy it.
- Imagine the feeling - when your speech has been a success and everyone is applauding and congratulating you at the end. Imagine how you'll feel when that happens and picture it in your mind.
- Make eye contact and talk to the whole room - don't look down, straight ahead or focus on just one person or group. Everyone is there to hear your speech so involve them all by making eye contact with different people in the room at different stages of your speech.
- Remember to pause in the right places - don't try to speak over laughter or applause. It's natural if you're nervous to try and get through the speech as quickly as you can. Be prepared that people might laugh or applaud in places you hadn't expected. When they do, just relax and wait for it to finish before continuing.
- Take deep breaths when you can and keep hydrated - During the pauses mentioned above, help yourself to relax by taking long deep breaths and sips of water to keep yourself hydrated. It's amazing how dry your mouth can get when you're nervous.
- Finish your speech with a bang - Whatever the occasion, it's good to go out in style. Finishing with a great toast or powerful message will give people a positive memory of your speech to take away and make sure your speech is talked about for all the right reasons.
