Top tips for writing a successful speech

At some point in your life, you will probably have to make a speech. There are
many kinds of speeches, including those intended
to inform, persuade, instruct, motivate, and entertain. They all share the
same goal, however: to communicate clearly and effectively to an audience.
Here are some guidelines to make it easier to talk to a room full of people you
don’t know.

1. Know your audience

Understand what your listeners care about. Tailor your speech to their
knowledge and their interests. If you are an expert speaking to a general
audience, be sure to define your terms. If you’re a manager talking to a staff that
has recently experienced lay-offs, acknowledge that you understand their
concerns.

2. Narrow your topic

A good speech makes a claim. And a good speech is about one thing only. Even
if your speech is a wedding toast, your point is that the bride and the groom
were meant for each other. Have a specific focus and make sure everything you
say supports it.

3. Outline your speech

A conventional organization usually works best. Tell the audience what you’re
going to say, say it, and then tell them what you said. Repetition is a powerful
tool, especially in a speech. Audiences tend to absorb only a small portion of
what they hear, so it’s good to make your point several times.

4. Get the attention of the room

Your opening should engage listeners immediately. Engage them with a unique
personal story that is relevant to your topic. Or try a specific reference to the
location. Most people will appreciate a speaker who says she’s glad to be in
Australia in January.
Other good ways to begin:
• ask a question;
• report a surprising statistic related to your topic;
• find an apposite quotation.
5. Organize your speech
Structure your speech according to your purpose. If your goal is to inform, try
a chronological or alphabetical organization. When your goal is
to convince your audience to take a stand, introduce the problem and then
propose a solution. Use transitions between your examples, so people can follow
your logic.

6. Offer examples, statistics, and quotations

You need evidence to support what you’re saying. Try examples from history,
current events, and your own life. Consult government sources for statistics. Use
quotations from experts in the field.Don’t overdo quotations, though: most of
the words in your speech should be your own. Check your facts—inaccuracies
will undermine your credibility.

7. Craft a powerful conclusion

Keep it short, memorable, and to the point. Consider ending with a concrete,
vivid image oranecdote that illustrates your topic. Or ask people to take an
action, such as promise to write to a decision-maker or to contribute to a cause.

8. Use presentation aids if appropriate

Charts and tables quickly convey data, and photographs can
offer compelling support. Incorporate visuals into your speech if they’ll make it
more powerful. Know what technology will be available for you to share these
visuals. And be prepared to do without them, in case something goes wrong with
the equipment.

9. Write for the ear, not for the eye

Once you’ve finished a draft of your speech, practice reading it out loud. You’ll
hear anything that sounds awkward. Revise so you are more comfortable giving
your speech. You want to sound natural, no matter what the occasion.

10. Time yourself

Have someone else run the stopwatch, so you won’t be distracted.
Read slowly and clearly. Include pauses for emphasis or for audience reaction if
you’re saying something that might cause listeners to laugh or gasp. If you’re
over your time limit, you’ll need to edit to shorten your speech.