How to prepare your next speech
Managers are frequently called on to speak at professional meetings, service clubs, and community groups, and to present briefings or reports within their organisation. If a speech has been well prepared, with a definite purpose, and well-rehearsed, it will be successful. The most effective public speakers faithfully observe several important steps when preparing for a speaking engagement. As you prepare for your next speech, you might also wish to adhere to these proven guidelines...
1. Understand clearly why you have been invited.
Before accepting an invitation to speak, be sure you know why you were invited and what the audience wants to hear. Decline the invitation if you feel you have little to contribute on the topic.
2. Sketch out a brief plan of attack.
Three preliminary considerations must be addressed before beginning:
First, clarify the purpose of your speech - to persuade, inform, amuse? What do you want your audience to feel, think, or learn?
Second, what do you know about the audience that will affect the way you approach the speech? What are their concerns, training, attitude, background, knowledge, and feelings towards you and the topic?
Third, focus on the subject. You know the general theme so now you can focus on a specific topic. Select a working title and identify the thrust of your message.
3. Research your topic.
Collect your facts and arguments:
- Brainstorm a list of random ideas relating to your central message.
- Look for natural clusters of ideas which gravitate around your main points.
- Isolate the main concepts you will present and collect further relevant data to support these key points.
- Check your facts.
- Roughly sequence your information.
