Keynote Speaker & Trainer on Wellbeing, Communication, Positive Psychology and Literacy : Professional Public Speaking New Zealand
Menu
How To Write Your Speech
Important Elements of Speech Writing
Firstly it is important to decide "who you are".
If you are the kind of person that people consider to be quick witted and generally funny; then you should include some humour in your talk, otherwise be very careful!
The internet, speech writing books and well meaning friends will often advise you to tell jokes to win the audience over. On many occasions I have cringed in my seat as joke after joke falls flat on a very embarrassed group of people.
Let's face it, some people are really good at impromptu humour and joke telling, and some are not!
My worst nightmare is when a very nervous public speaker, typically at weddings, uses low level sarcasm and dredges up past (seemingly funny) events about the happy couple, to deflect the focus away from him/herself in a pathetic attempt to seem funny and relaxed.
There is a scene in "The Wedding Crashers" where John Beckwith gives good speech advice to Claire Cleary just before she speaks at the wedding.
He says "I know, but the funny because it's true bit only works if the truth is a very small thing like "everyone knows Jennifer likes to shop, ha ha ha". Honestly, I think you're better off going for something from the heart "
Like all great inexperienced Public Speakers she ignores his advice and says "I think people are going to love this."
Eventually, after all of her words have fallen flat and people are shifting nervously in their seats, she moves to her natural state of tenderness and compassion, delivers the remainder of her talk from her heart and ends with "True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another" (a suggested quote given to her by John Beckwith). Naturally the audience and the happy couple are moved by her address.
Be genuine … be you … let people see you … its great to step it up a little and press the boundaries of your comfort level, but at least try to stay within your spirit.
There are numerous web sites offering "canned" talks for every occasion and if you are very new to Public Speaking you may benefit from at least some form of outline to get you started.
Some of the basic elements of Speech Writing include:
1. Have a basic plan
Are you intending to educate, inform, inspire or motivate.
2. Decide on a beginning a middle and an end.It is often a good idea to write your own name and your first few words at the top of your page. Your nerves will be at their highest just as you start, once you have said your own name and the basic introduction your heart rate may have begun to slow down a little.
3. Make sure you do not have too much content.
It is useful to remember that even the best audience will reach information saturation after about twenty minutes.
4. Use different methods of communication to reach people.
Visual (overhead slides), audio (your talk) and audience participation (exercises).
5. Do your research first.Find out exactly what the conference organiser or coach is looking to achieve through your presentation. Make sure your information is accurate and not based on rumour, opinion and heresay.
6. Get yourself involved with personal stories and examples.
Story tellers will be remembered long after all the factual presentations are forgotten.
7. Focus on a powerful opening and memorable close. Promoters of live bands know that people will react well to a great opening (well known song) and a powerful final number.
8. Consider using a handout to reinforce your message.If you decide to give something out, only do so "after the presentation" otherwise the audience will spend the whole time, flipping through pages and reading ahead.
9. Use plain English.Avoid any industry buzzwords and use words that are easily understood.
10. Be your best critic. Pump yourself up before the meeting, some people like to jog in the dressing room to lift their enthusiasm, and also take some time to reflect afterwards on the great parts of your talk, but also all the things you need to improve for next time. Be careful not to accept criticism and advice from well meaning people who have absolutely no success in Public Speaking, it is worth remembering that they are offering you "theoretical advice only".
As they say: "Tell them what you're going to say, tell them and then tell them what you told them".
Good luck!
If you are the kind of person that people consider to be quick witted and generally funny; then you should include some humour in your talk, otherwise be very careful!
The internet, speech writing books and well meaning friends will often advise you to tell jokes to win the audience over. On many occasions I have cringed in my seat as joke after joke falls flat on a very embarrassed group of people.
Let's face it, some people are really good at impromptu humour and joke telling, and some are not!
My worst nightmare is when a very nervous public speaker, typically at weddings, uses low level sarcasm and dredges up past (seemingly funny) events about the happy couple, to deflect the focus away from him/herself in a pathetic attempt to seem funny and relaxed.
There is a scene in "The Wedding Crashers" where John Beckwith gives good speech advice to Claire Cleary just before she speaks at the wedding.
He says "I know, but the funny because it's true bit only works if the truth is a very small thing like "everyone knows Jennifer likes to shop, ha ha ha". Honestly, I think you're better off going for something from the heart "
Like all great inexperienced Public Speakers she ignores his advice and says "I think people are going to love this."
Eventually, after all of her words have fallen flat and people are shifting nervously in their seats, she moves to her natural state of tenderness and compassion, delivers the remainder of her talk from her heart and ends with "True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another" (a suggested quote given to her by John Beckwith). Naturally the audience and the happy couple are moved by her address.
Be genuine … be you … let people see you … its great to step it up a little and press the boundaries of your comfort level, but at least try to stay within your spirit.
There are numerous web sites offering "canned" talks for every occasion and if you are very new to Public Speaking you may benefit from at least some form of outline to get you started.
Some of the basic elements of Speech Writing include:
1. Have a basic plan
Are you intending to educate, inform, inspire or motivate.
2. Decide on a beginning a middle and an end.It is often a good idea to write your own name and your first few words at the top of your page. Your nerves will be at their highest just as you start, once you have said your own name and the basic introduction your heart rate may have begun to slow down a little.
3. Make sure you do not have too much content.
It is useful to remember that even the best audience will reach information saturation after about twenty minutes.
4. Use different methods of communication to reach people.
Visual (overhead slides), audio (your talk) and audience participation (exercises).
5. Do your research first.Find out exactly what the conference organiser or coach is looking to achieve through your presentation. Make sure your information is accurate and not based on rumour, opinion and heresay.
6. Get yourself involved with personal stories and examples.
Story tellers will be remembered long after all the factual presentations are forgotten.
7. Focus on a powerful opening and memorable close. Promoters of live bands know that people will react well to a great opening (well known song) and a powerful final number.
8. Consider using a handout to reinforce your message.If you decide to give something out, only do so "after the presentation" otherwise the audience will spend the whole time, flipping through pages and reading ahead.
9. Use plain English.Avoid any industry buzzwords and use words that are easily understood.
10. Be your best critic. Pump yourself up before the meeting, some people like to jog in the dressing room to lift their enthusiasm, and also take some time to reflect afterwards on the great parts of your talk, but also all the things you need to improve for next time. Be careful not to accept criticism and advice from well meaning people who have absolutely no success in Public Speaking, it is worth remembering that they are offering you "theoretical advice only".
As they say: "Tell them what you're going to say, tell them and then tell them what you told them".
Good luck!
|
Motivation, Inspiration, Goal Setting,
Life Coaching, Happiness, Wellness |
Schools, Churches, Community Events,
Business Seminars, Conference Keynote |
Keith Lightfoot
New Zealand Motivational Speaker |
|
© Copyright : All Rights Reserved
|
Website Design: Hardwick Enterprises
|
Email: keith@hardwick.co.nz
|