Do you need to prepare a speech for school, club, or a meeting? Are you nervous about speaking in public? Try following these guidelines and you will soon be a pro at public speaking and you may find you enjoy it immensely. Public speaking is a skill anyone can learn.
Brainstorm Topics
Choosing a topic to speak about is often the hardest part. Try brainstorming for ideas. Sit down with friends or family members or even alone to write a list of likely topics.
What do you know about? What topics have you read a lot on? Do you know about horses, for example? What is your hobby? Your specialty? Your interest? What craft do you enjoy or what skill do you have? Can you play an instrument? What are your aspirations, your dreams? Could you talk about any of those subjects? You might give a speech on a collection you have. Why do you collect the items? Where do you find and display the collectibles? Sticking with familiar topics means you have more to share in your speech and that you will be more comfortable speaking.
Choosing a topic for your speech will be easier if you think about the purpose of the speech. The purpose will determine what type of speech you give and how you present it.
Speech Types
An expository speech has the purpose of informing the audience about something. This type of speech explains facts and explains to the audience. It is called an informative speech by some. It teaches and explains. For example, “How does a diabetic person eat right?”,”Running for Public Office”, “Three Steps for Safety While Swimming.”
The demonstration speech involves actually showing the audience how to do something. For example, “How to Sew a Sofa Pillow,” How to Bake Fresh Bread,” How to Shine Your Shoes.” During this speech you use props or charts and drawings to demonstrate how something is done.
An inspirational speech has the purpose of encouraging the listeners to do something. Some examples : “Be a Better Student,” “Learn to Eat Nutritious Foods,” “ Give to Charity,” “Cheer up and Get Out of Depression.” Entertaining the audience may also be the purpose of this speech.
The persuasive speech is similar, but its purpose is to convince the hearers of some point. For example, “You Should Not Try Smoking,” Brick houses are Safer than Wooden Houses,” “Vegetarians are Unhealthy.” Whether what you say is right or wrong, you will try to convince the audience with your speech’s arguments.
Preparing to Speak
Next, you will need to do some research on your topic in order to be knowledgeable about the topic. Write notes and with them arrange an outline. Some speakers write the main points of their speech on large index cards to use like prompts during the speech.
Practice your full speech with a timer. If the speech is too long cut out any extra information or comments until you can fit it into the time slot allotted you.
Now practice in front of a mirror so you can see if you are showing nervousness. Avoid anything that distracts people, like jingling change in your pocket or fussing with your glasses or your hair. Practice smiling as you talk. Stand with hands free and feet slightly apart in a comfortable stance. Gesture with your hands where it is appropriate. This keeps the audience focused on you and your speech.
Presenting the Speech
On the day of the speech, be sure you have gotten enough sleep. Eat well, but lighter than usual. Get a little exercise and practice, practice, practice. Dress nicely since doing so will show the audience that you respect their time and appreciate their attention.
When your speech is introduced, go to the lectern at the front of the room and shake the announcer’s hand. Arrange your notes or cards on the lectern and then greet the audience.
Speak up clearly and remember to look at the people in the audience. If you are shy, you must work harder to look up at people and make eye contact while you speak. Pay attention to the time and finish before or promptly on time.
Giving speeches is a skill that can benefit you in many ways. Public speaking builds self-confidence and can open many life doors for you. It can help you obtain a scholarship or get a job. Speak out and speak up.
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