Planning Your Speech...
Below are our articles on the subject of Planning Your Speech. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Ending a Speech
The ending of your speech is no less important than the introduction or the body.
Unfortunately there are some public speakers (even those who regularly give...
Finding Out as Much as You Can about Your Audience
You knew you were expected to be a public speaker… but did you realize you also had to be part investigator?
Don't worry - you don't have to...
Handling Question/Answer Sessions
You effortlessly flew through the beginning of your speech. You self-assuredly breezed through the middle. And now you’re approaching the end with about ten minutes to...
Length of Speech?
b>Manager /b>: “I’d like you to say a few words on your department’s progress at the upcoming annual shareholder’s meeting…” br>
b>Employee /b>: “How long should I...
Paid or Unpaid Speeches?
Though every speech you give should be written, rehearsed, and delivered with a high degree of professionalism, the reality is that paid speeches often wind up as much...
Practicing Your Speech
There’s an old saying: “Practice makes perfect.”
Guess what? It’s true… especially when it comes to giving a speech.
Regardless of the type of speech...
Preparing Your Speech
The type of speech you’re planning (memorial wedding, corporate, etc) will greatly determine how you’ll need to prepare in order to deliver it with excellence. That...
Speaking About a Topic You Don't Know Well
Public speaking can be a challenge in and of itself; but what happens when you’re asked to talk about a topic you don’t know well?
Initially...
Special Considerations
Sometimes even expertly prepared speeches go wrong.
When they do, you have two choices:
Give up in defeat
Go with the flow.
Obviously, “2” is the...
The Body of The Speech
Think of the body of your speech as akin to a “main course”:
The introduction was a tantalising “appetiser” and the ending will be an unforgettable “dessert”… but...
The Introduction of the Speech
Your audience will decide in the first few seconds of your speech, whether or not they’ll listen wholeheartedly to the rest. This means your introduction must grab...
The Reasons Not to "Wing It"!
b> I'll just wing it. /b>
How many public speakers have regretted making that snap decision? Chances are good that the percentage is quite high.
Not...
The Use of Controversy in Your Speech
When giving a speech it’s not always necessary (or wise) to make waves. However, sometimes a little controversy can spice up the dullest of subjects...
The Use of Storytelling in Your Speech
Politicians do it. Motivational speakers do it too. And so can you.
What is “it”?
“It” is the age-old art of storytelling. And if you...
Using Handouts
Large Audiences-Are Handouts Effective?
Speaking to an audience of 100, 500 or 1,000 people? Then distributing handouts to them all may seem like a good idea,...
Using Humour in a Speech
The use of humour in a speech may seem like an “easy” way to warm up an audience or to get a point across but if used inappropriately, it can rapidly backfire. Many...
Writing For Your Audience
Without an audience a presentation would be little more than a soliloquy. But many speech writers seem to forget that their listeners play an enormous part in the way...
