A great speech requires connection and a takeaway to be remembered.
Let’s face it. For some, public speaking comes natural and for others it is their Achilles Heel.
I’m probably somewhere in the middle, which is why I am always looking to learn from the best and pick up a tip or two to get better. This is far from an exhaustive list of course, but it’s a start when it comes to thinking about how to deliver a speech that will be remembered… for good reasons!
1. Tell Stories
Telling stories when giving a speech is probably the most common advice on the subject, but that’s because it’s so effective.
Think about some of the best public speakers that you’ve ever heard and chances are that he/she was likely a good storyteller. Good public speakers connect with the audience because they tell stories well.
They build up the story and then deliver that line(s) that you will remember long after they have left the stage.
Even the driest subjects can come to life when delivered by a good public speaker.
2. Opening is Key
There are scores of studies out there that say that the first few minutes are key for any public speaker.
If your opening is weak, the chances you’ll lose the crowd increase exponentially. This has happened to me before which is why I always rehearse my opening over and over. I’m not very funny, but if you are, employ that skill when speaking in public.
There’s hardly a better time to use humor when giving the speech then right off the gate.
You will immediately put your crowd at ease and increase the chances that they will listen all the way through.
3. Everyone is Entitled to an Opinion, but Not Their Facts
Make sure you do your homework and come prepared with facts.
Opinions are fine, but if you are prepared to make a case to the audience, it’s absolutely critical that you back up your claims with reliable sources. Failing to do this runs the risk of undermining your credibility, which is something you never want to do when giving a speech.
If it helps, write down your sources on a piece of paper, or better yet have it memorized so that you can communicate this to your audience quickly so that you can go back to giving your speech.
Next- Watch the Clock and Strong Closing
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4. Watch the Clock
Make sure you know exactly how much time you have to speak. And that means if you have been allotted 10 minutes, then stick to it.
First, it’s just common courtesy, but it’s also to ensure that the program runs on schedule. Also, if you go way over your time, you run the risk of having the organizer(s) cut you off awkwardly or try to get your attention while you are giving your speech.
Even the most seasoned public speaker can be thrown off his/her game if you need to end your speech abruptly. Worse, the audience will likely notice and become distracted right when you are trying to have a solid closing.
Which leads us to…
5. Strong Closing
Even if you fumbled your opening, a strong closing provides you with an opportunity to win over the crowd.
To pull this off, practice is key. Like an opening, it’s important that you devote plenty of time to practice your closing over and over until you have just about every line memorized. The crowd will start tuning back in once they realize that you are nearing the end of your speech.
This is your chance to deliver your most powerful lines. It may help to employ something like: “If I leave you with anything today…” or “To sum up, here my point...”
Alternatively and to reference an earlier suggestion, the closing may also be the time when you tell your audience that powerful story to make your point(s). It’s amazing what a strong closing can do when speaking in public. Don’t underestimate it.
As you well know, there are other tips and suggestions for public speaking and delivering a good speech.
There are some things that are hard to replicate, but there are also fundamentals in good public speaking that have stood the test of time for a reason.
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