Public speaking is a challenge in itself, let alone being effective at it. However, if you are going to make a speech you should strive to make it an effective one.


In London's Hyde Park you can just get up
and speak about any subject you wish!

Public speaking is both an art and a science. There are specific steps that can be taken to command attention and results. A scientific means of presenting your speech will have a lasting effect on your audience.

The following is a precise procedure that will enable you to make an impact in the lives of those listening to your speech.

First and foremost be properly prepared.

Do your home work!

Make sure that you have content and that your content is worth knowing. Once you have completed ample research for your topic familiarise yourself with the material.

An absolute must is that your topic is presenting only one main idea.

Your whole speech will be arguing for this one specific topic. If you have more than one idea you take the chance that your listeners will not remember what you said.

One way to know whether or not you have a proper grasp on your subject is, "Could you have a Q&A session after your speech and adequately answer their questions"?

Next, you will want to organise your findings in a logical sequence.

It must flow for your audience to be interested, understand, and retain it. Your organisation of your points should continuously support the big idea. Providing evidence and reasoning are a strong part of the persuasive process!

Once you have completed the previous tasks you are well on your way to an effective speech.

Now, it is time to consider going to the podium to present your message.

Write out your opening and closing remarks.

You want to be sure that you know how you are going to get started and how you will end. I don't suggest that you write out your whole speech, but do write out these two areas.

At this time you should have the opening remarks on paper, the outline of the message, and the ending written out.

Now begin to practice your speech.

Determine if you are able to complete the speech within the allotted time given and/or you have enough material to take up the time frame.

People love real life stories!

At this point you have a feel for the speech, now, it is time to add some illustrations or life stories to each point. Illustrations will enable your audience to relate to your subject and remember it. After you have added your life stories practice it again to get a feel for your speech and to check the timing again.

You are ready to present your message.

If possible take only one sheet of paper with you. If you take too many notes you will have a tendency to read or pay too much attention to your notes.

Speak, don't read.

Present your material in a conversational manner, but be sure to speak up so that everyone is able to hear you. Speak to the furthest person away from you.

Ensure that you are giving the whole audience eye contact. It is not necessary to look everyone in the eye, but you must be scanning them so that they get a feel that you are conversing with them.

It is time to wait for the results of your presentation!