I Hate Giving A Speech,
So How Do I Get Out Of It?
The Answer Is You Don't. But Don't Panic, It's Only A Speech!
Armed With A Few Simple Tips, You Will Do A Great Job
The first challenge most people think of when they are confronted with making a speech is invariably stage fright - you know, nerves. But, stage fright is really only half of the issue. More important is the issue of figuring out what you are going to say. This is where most people freeze.
For some strange reason, everyone seems to think that speech making involves some sort of magical ability, so that only those born with this "special gift" ever attain the lofty ideal of making a successful speech. Nonsense, Utter Nonsense! Can you have a thoughtful conversation with someone? I ask this question because, you see, that's all a good speech is - a thoughtful conversation.
A conversation is just some combination of facts and opinions. Right? Sure it is. The only difference is that your 'conversation' is rather onesided. But remember, your audience is highly receptive - willing and eager to hear what you have to say. They wouldn't be there otherwise. So relax and read on.
Permit me a moment of confession. I absolutely hate making speeches before any group no matter how supportive they might be or how small the group. Since a small child I've had a problem with stammering and never, of course, am I challenged more with this than when giving a speech. I am a very bright, attractive, and talented man but does this help? Absolutely not! What has made a major difference for me are the guidelines I am going to present to you. With careful application of the guidelines I have become very successful at giving speeches to all types and sizes of audiences. I am a symphony orchestra conductor by profession so you can see how important speech making is to me. Pay careful attention to the guidelines because they will work for you too!
You are guaranteed to qualify for two unsecured credit cards just by meeting our basic requirements. At least 18 years of age? Make at least $95 a week? Have a valid Social Security Number? Been at your current job at least 6 months? You Qualify!!!
GUIDELINES
- Keep Your Speech Under 15 Minutes, 20 Minutes Is The Top Limit
Listen to "60 Minutes" or other TV News programs and you will find that topics are given approximately 15 to 18 minute time frames. This, generally, is the time people have gotten used to in receiving information via the media these days. This dosen't mean that one has to make a speech of at least 15 minutes because sometimes the more important the message, the less time is required to communicate it.
- Avoid Appearing Scattered By Staying Focused On A Single Topic
The world is full of extraneous details and so is your mind. Staying focused on your purpose is primary to good speech writing. Your speech should have a point. Constantly move toward that point by using only pertinent details. Your audience will love you for it.
- Use Words That Mean Precisely What You Intend
Don't depend on context to make things clear to your audience. Saying precisely what you mean by carefully choosing your words will strengthen your confidence and put your audience considerably at ease. If you want to keep their attention, and we all do, then pay particular attention to this guideline.
- Use Humor Wisely - An Invaluable Ally
This is probably the most difficult part only because we tend to take ourselves far too seriously - very profound and other such nonsense. Forget profundity. Just relax and see the humor in it and in yourself, of course. One of the best places to put humor is at the beginning of your speech. Why? Because it helps to put your audience at ease. It can also help to put you at ease. Take your time with this one. Choose carefully. If you can't think of anything funny to say that would be appropriate, then ask friends to help. You will be amazed at how successful this can be. Maybe you can tie it to something current.
- If You Want To Move Your Audience, Don't Use Drama
If you think to have a good speech you need to submerge your audience in an emotional bath, then you're engaging in sheer foolishness. Nothing will ruin a speech faster than using this type of tactic. Your audience will react dutifully toward you perhaps, but in the end will regard your speech as simply boring! Depend rather on good solid reasoning that leads your listeners constantly toward your goal - the point of your speech.
- And Finally, Show Appreciation
Courtesy is always important. It is not a thing of the past and it is not boring! So don't forget to begin your speech by thanking the people who invited you and the person who introduced you. Some speech writers say that courtesy in the form of a thank you is boring and predictable. I can only say that those people are not operating on all thrusters! That reminds me, being cute is boring and predictable, so avoid it. Be sure to include a sense of warmth in your thanks because it will help your audience to warm up to you.
REMEMBER:
Your speech should have a purpose. Know that purpose and move toward it all through your speech. This should ultimately be your goal in making any speech. That's it. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Danny Patton, webmaster.
November, 1998
