Delivering a speech is something that we began to learn about in grade school. As far back as kindergarten our teachers have asked us to stand in front of the class, and speak about one thing or another. As we get older, we find ourselves in situations that require bigger and grander speeches. Perhaps you are being asked to read a report in college, or have to speak publicly on behalf of your business. Regardless, there are some tips that can help you to effectively deliver a speech every time out.
The first tip to effectively deliver a speech is to prepare beforehand. Do not try to stand up in front of a group of people and wing it. Some people have that talent, but even they should take the time to prepare. Even the best speakers have prepared for speeches in advance. So how do you do that?
First, draw up a general outline of the key notes that you want to get out there. List them as you think of them on a piece of paper. Every great speech will have a specific aim, and that aim is what you need to find. Ask yourself what information you want to convey and then write it down. This will put all your ideas down on paper, and help you to get organized.
Next you will want to familiarize yourself with all of the information. If you know the information forwards and backwards, then you will be much more likely to succeed delivering your speech. If there are parts of your speech that you do not understand, that will come across when you try to deliver it. Study beforehand and know what you are talking about.
Now that you have the information written down, organize it in a logical order on another sheet of paper. Do not actually write the speech, because it will come across as rehearsed. Simply jot down the major notes of each area of the speech in the order in which it will be presented.
Practice your speech several times in the privacy of your own home. If you have a trusted friend or family member to critique you, then by all means let them. It will help you to hear what they have to say. Do not over practice, however, as this may cause you to freeze up later.
Before you deliver your speech, mingle with the crowd a bit to get to know them. This is especially effective if you are talking to people you do not know. If you meet several people in the crowd, it will put you more at ease when you get up in front of them. You will find that your eyes will fall on familiar faces as you speak to the group.
Once you begin, relax and visualize that you are talking to close friends. Look towards the back of the room and just above the heads of the crowd. Occasionally shift your vision to different areas of the room so that everyone feels as though you are speaking to them.
Many people speak too softly or too loudly when they give a speech. Let your first words be louder than your usual speaking voice, and then adjust from there.
If you find yourself stuck while delivering a speech, then do not be afraid to take a moment to gather yourself. Many people will stammer into an ill advised joke when they are stuck. Resist the urge to ramble and instead simply be quiet. Check your notes and get back on track.
If you follow these simple tips, then effectively delivering a speech will be no problem for you. Public speaking is easy when you are prepared.