21 Tips For Spellbinding Speeches

1. Find out as much as you can about your audience before you prepare your speech. 2. Focus on what your audience wants and needs to hear -- not what you want to tell them. 3. As you prepare, give yourself an opportunity to think creatively about your topic by tapping into creative times ... walking the dog, taking a shower, other non-stressful times. When you get a new idea, jot it down and put it in a folder for later use. 4. As you prepare, be very conscious of the length of time you are expected to speak . 5. Develop an overall theme for the presentation, and make sure you keep to that theme throughout the speech. 6. Don't overload a short speech -- make just a few points, and make them well. 7. Use conversational language. Remember the spoken word is different from the written word. 8. Avoid jargon or acronyms. If you must use them, define them clearly. 9. Get the audience's attention with a strong opening. The more you can customize your opening for that particular audience, the better. 10. Mention something unique about your knowledge or approach to the

issue to establish credibility. 11. Good transitions between points keep your audience focused on your theme. 12. Use the closing to emphasize key points in a commanding way. 13. A dramatic quotation from a well-known source can add punch to a speech but only if it reinforces the points you want to make. 14. Humor is also a welcome addition to a speech. Keep a file of stories or jokes that you like. The essential point is, again, to make sure that the story or joke clearly relates to your message. 15. Before you go before any group, PRACTICE. Time yourself to make sure you will stay within the limits. 16. Don't read your speech! Practice your presentation until you are so familiar with it that the words flow comfortably. Don't worry if you say it slightly differently every time you practice; the important thing is to get your message across in clear, direct language. 17. Feel free to use a few notecards. Write down a few key words or phrases that keep you on track. Don't write out your entire speech unless you need it for a formal record. 18. Overhead transparencies or a few simple Power-Point slides are a good way to emphasize key points or illustrate themes. But don't let the technology take over! 19. A few slides can illustrate a point, but use them sparingly because they require lowered lights (that reduce attention).

20. Make sure the information on each transparency or slide is limited, and is easily read in the back of the room. 21. As you give your speech, make eye contact with audience members as much as possible. Speak to each person "individually."