When you practice giving a speech, it’s important to practice the material itself. However, if your delivery’s lacking, your speech will still fall flat.
This is why many public speakers focus primarily on the content of their speeches–or the stories they tell, their attempts at humor, or other aspects. But these skills also belong under your microscope.
So how can you improve your contents of a speech? By using engaging delivery techniques. Here are some valuable pointers on how to do so.
1. Determine and Analyze Your Audience
One of the most essential factors to consider before delivering an engaging speech is to determine and analyze your audience. Knowing the general age, gender, and background of the audience can help create effective strategies to keep their interest.
Ask yourself, “What does my target audience already know about the topic?”, as this helps you tailor the content for their level of familiarity. Other aspects of the audience can include the purpose of the speech, the geographic region, the interests of the attendees, and the language level.
2. Free-Write About Your Subject
Ensuring the contents of a persuasive speech are engaging begins with having an effective approach. Research and select an engaging topic to capture the audience’s attention. The speech should be constructed in such a way that the audience can comprehend what is being discussed.
Utilizing anecdotes, clever metaphors, and visual aids can be helpful, as it helps to key the audience in on the information. Additionally, establishing a connection with the audience can be beneficial, as it allows them to relate to the message being presented.
3. Research Your Supporting Points
An audience is more likely to stay attentive if a speaker has evidence to back up their argument or clearly conveyed ideas. As part of your research, source reliable sources and use cited facts and figures.
Additionally, drawing upon personal experiences or stories can add evidence to the speech. It is also important to put yourself in the shoes of your audience and ask yourself questions such as “How does this relate to the audience?” or “What insights can be learned?”.
4. Practice Your Speech
Practice for professional public speaking should begin at least a few days before the event and involve both reading the speech out loud multiple times and asking trusted colleagues or friends to listen and provide feedback.
Having another person deliver the speech to the presenter prior to the event is also a great way to practice and gain perspective. Focusing on clarity, intonation, and maintaining the correct energy is not only great practice for speech delivery, but will also be engaging for the audience.
5. End the Speech on a Thoughtful Note
When ending a speech, considering connecting to the audience by posing a question to them, like “How can we shape the future together?” This will leave the audience with something to think about, and strengthen their connection to the speech.
Additionally, if the speech was on a particular subject, it can be helpful to distil this into a succinct phrase, or reflect on what was talked about by summarizing the message. Using figures of speech and rhetorical devices can also aid in providing a thought-provoking conclusion.
Key Takeaways to an Engaging Contents of a Speech
In conclusion, preparing and delivering engaging contents of a speech should not be a daunting task. Focus on the topic, make your points clear, and include stories and examples to connect with the audience.
Try to be creative and use techniques such as rhetorical questions, personal anecdotes, humor, and call-outs to make the content even more engaging.
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