You’ve been asked to speak at an event. How do you ensure that you make a good impression? Well don’t leave things to chance. Spend time constructing your speech effectively.
1) Introduce yourself, your business & your subject.
- “Tell ’em what you’re going to tell ’em”
- you might use a rhetorical question to wake them up.
2) The middle bit. “Tell ’em”
- Logical flow
- A series of separate points inked in an interesting way
- Personal anecdotes (because we’re nosey!)
- Stories and case studies (powerful proof of business success)
- Visual aids: if using Power Point, remember that slides should be VISUAL. Keep words to a minimum.
- Humour: be careful. Unless you are a stand-up comedian don’t tell jokes. Smiles should spring naturally from the content.
- To aid your memory use note cards and NOT a full script.
3) Your delivery will be an important element in your success.
This is a whole blog by itself but in brief watch:
- Body-language
- Eye-contact
- Volume
- Tone
- Modulation
- Emphatic stress
You might like to look at my downloads page HERE
4. The ending
- “Tell ’em what you’ve told ’em”
- A short summary could be in order if speaking for 20 minutes or more.
- Finish with a flourish. Leave your audience with something to remember.
- Use a relevant quotation or your own business sign-off.
5. Remember that you must PRACTICE because
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
I hope you find these tips useful. Give them a try.
There are just 2 of my low-cost courses left this year at Leicester:
‘Being Vocal in a Man’s World’ (ladies only) 22 November
‘VoiceMatters in Business’ 12 December
Premier Inn Fosse Park, Braunstone Lane East, Leicester (2 mins from M1 junction 21)
Time for both 9:30am to 1:00pm
Cost only £45 (including refreshments – free parking)
Call now FREE on 0800 083 4082
I will be back early in December with another vocal blog. Till then, remember:
Talk may be cheap
but your speech should be priceless!
Twitter: @VoiceExpert
