How To Write an Impactful Five-Minute Speech in 12 Steps

Giving a speech can be a daunting task, especially when you have limited time to make
your points. However, short speeches can also let you make an impact, practice your
communication skills and share important information. With adequate preparation,
you can show your competence and professionalism to your peers.

How to write a five-minute speech

1. Prepare
Short speeches require preparation because you have to condense your information
into only the most useful points. 

2. Consider your audience

Focus your content and your tone on your audience rather than yourself. Consider
what will interest listeners and help them absorb the information. 

3. Write an outline
A solid outline is key for a short speech, as you don't have the time to stray from your
main points.

4. Add content
Once you have your outline, you can begin deciding what information to include for
each point. Be succinct and direct, only discussing the most important information. 

5. Use transitions
Use verbal signifiers to let the audience know when you're moving to another point.

For example, you can use the following verbal cues:

 "Today I'm going to discuss ..."

 "The first reason for this policy is ..."
 "The second item to consider is ..."
 "The final benefit of the program is ..."
 "To wrap up ..."
6. Improvise
7. Connect to listeners
8. Be conversational
9. Time yourself
10. Practice