> A
speech is a formal, face-to-face performance of a single person talking to a
group of people with the aim to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, influence,
entertain, command loyalty, or win hearts and minds…
> A speech is NOT an "exposé"! You give an "exposé" to simply inform an audience, whereas you give a speech to both inform and convince an audience (that what you say is right, true, good)!
> You
need to understand the difference between writing to be read and writing to be
heard. Writing to be heard is performed writing, and it is characterized by
texts that are shorter than formal written texts and which use more simple
syntax, use careful and systematic “signpost language” (explicit transitions
that help listeners keep on track, by purposeful repetition, and by vivid and
lively diction).
> Adapt
your (written and oral) style to your subject matter and to the audience (aim
for plain if you want to instruct, and more florid if you want to move or
inspire your audience).
> Establish
the purpose of your speech (who are you writing it for and why?).
> One
(two or three) strong argument(s) or idea(s) is (are) better than many
(superficial) ideas!
> The
best speeches are those that express ideas (especially complex ones) SIMPLY!
> Simple
words and short sentences are best.
> BE
CLEAR, CONCISE, CONVINCING!
> Organize
your ideas/arguments well (are they clear and logical, convincing and
compelling)?
> Make
your argument(s) easy to understand.
> Use
reliable evidence (sparingly) to support your point: relevant facts and figures
and quotations (name the author of the quote).
> Say
things in “threes”: "justice, good will and brotherhood." (MLK)
> Alliteration
used sparingly is good.
> Questions
(and their answers!) are good from time to time (to get the audience thinking).
> Use
relevant (personal) examples sparingly.
> Adapt
your language, vocabulary and ideas to the audience.
> How
can you get the audience to relate to you and your topic?
> Why
will they want to listen to you?
> What
do you have in common with the audience (age, interests, ethnicity, gender)?
> The
contents have to be relevant and useful to them.
> What
level of detail will be effective for your audience?
> What
do you want the audience to learn?
> How
can your audience benefit from what you have to say?
> How
do you want them to react (how can you inspire their trust)?
> What
do you want the audience to “do” as a result of your speech (how do you want
them to react)?
> What
might offend or alienate them?
> Be
very careful with humour!
> Is
the language register appropriate (formal is best)?
> Impress
by your knowledge but especially by your (original) ideas and convincing
arguments!
> Impress
by being original in how you present your ideas (unless being straight-forward
is more appropriate).
> Speak
on a specific issue (avoid vague generalities, truisms and common-place ideas).
> Connect
the material to related or larger issues, especially those important to your
audience.
> Introduce
them to new ways of seeing a problem, new ideas and (original) solutions.
> Keep
reminding your audience of your main points.
> Use
short and simple sentence structures.
> Limit
pronoun use (it, they, this, etc.).
> Make
verbs active and concrete!
> Use
verbal cues (“first/second/third”; “I’ve talked to you today about…,” etc.);
> The
first sentence/introduction (and how you say it) is all-important: it sets the
tone of your speech.
> A
(short) “story” or an anecdote (at the start) usually works (if it’s a good
one!).
> Use
strong transitions (“This argument makes no sense if you consider that…”;
“Another fact that supports my main point is…”).
> In
your conclusion, restate your main points, but don’t repeat them laboriously.
> Call
the audience to action based on their new knowledge and understanding (be
specific and realistic).
