Ten Speech Tips for Writing Powerful and Persuasive Presentation

Have you ever had to give a speech?

Do you remember that feeling? A knot in the stomach, sweaty palms and a panic attack!

Not a very pleasant experience. And yet, I'm sure your speech was a success because 90 per cent of a typical audience want the speaker to succeed.

Yet according to The Book of Lists, speaking in public is one of our greatest fears.

Much of this anxiety is due to a lack of confidence in writing and preparing a speech rather than in the delivery.

Giving a presentation can be a great way to build your business, influence public opinion or kick-start your career.

It is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd and make a real difference in people's lives.

What are the secrets of writing a powerful and persuasive speech for any occasion?

Here are 10 tips for turning a good speech into a great one!

1. Have a plan and set some objectives & outcomes.

There is nothing worse than not knowing what you want to achieve. Do you want to educate the audience, inform, inspire, motivate or touch their emotions? Always work out what you want to achieve before beginning the speech process.

2. Have a formal structure - beginning, middle and end.

Audiences love structure and the best speeches stick to this tried and true rule. As they say: "tell them what you're going to say, tell them and then tell them again".

3. Avoid having too much content.

Hands up those that are guilty of this sin. I know I am. I have lost count the number of technical presentations given by CEO's, managers, scientists, engineers, geologists and other professionals who have just put too much content into their presentations. Far too much for an audience to absorb - remember even the best audiences face information overload after 20 minutes. How do you overcome the content crisis? See Tip # 8.

4. Define who your audience is and use the most appropriate communication channels to reach them.

Analyse how your audience likes to take in information - do they like to be visually stimulated or do they enjoy just sitting back and listening. Or do they like to get involved, to touch and feel in a kinaesthetic way. Work out the best mix of visual, audio and kinaesthetic and use this in your speechwriting.

5. Research your speech using a range of sources.

Be a keen observer of the trends your audience is likely to be interested in and keep a file of interesting articles and information. If you are time poor- a few quick questions when meeting an audience just prior to a speech, such as "what are the issues facing your business/industry/association at the moment?" can really help target your presentation and build rapport.

6. Use personal stories, examples and metaphors to make intangible concepts tangible.

In many cases you are trying to sell ideas and concepts in a speech. These are intangible and often difficult for the audience to grasp. Personal stories, examples and metaphors make the invisible visible.

7. Have a strong opening and closing.

People remember the opening - first impressions count! The closing is important as it should reinforce the key message you want the audience to go away with in their head after they have heard the presentation. Ending with a 'call to action' can be a powerful way to get your audience to act on your message.

8. Add value and extra detail through a handout.

Here's a tip: if you want to provide detail - put it in a handout! You can get far more content across in the written form than in a speech. Always refer to this in your presentation but hand it out after your speech so the audience is not distracted reading through it while you talk. There is nothing more soul destroying for a presenter to see the audience leafing through written notes rather than looking at you!

9. Use short words and plain English.

The short words are always the best words. Avoid jargon. Use active words instead of passive. This has far more impact in the minds of your listeners.

10. Evaluate and review on a regular basis.

There's nothing more powerful than to hear back a speech you've written. If you are writing a speech for someone else always try and hear the speech or at least get some feedback. Recording and listening back to a presentation is the fastest way to improve your skills.

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.blogspot.com

---

Fear!

I am terrified of heights. The thought of skydiving, for... Read More

Talk May Be Cheap but Your Speech Should Be Priceless!

Take a moment and imagine if you will any one... Read More

Ten Speech Tips for Writing Powerful and Persuasive Presentation

Have you ever had to give a speech?Do you remember... Read More

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More

How To Get Paid Every Time You Speak - REALLY!

For many, speaking or training is a full time business.... Read More

The Porch Light* Method to Speaking Confidence

You know the feeling. Looking out at a sea of... Read More

How to Create a Compelling Media Kit

A well-built media kit is vital for effective marketing. Without... Read More

If You Arent a Little Nervous, You Arent Paying Attention

The fear of public speaking is one of the most... Read More

Ten Fatal Flaws Frequently Found from the Podium

1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More

Take The Fear Out Of Public Speaking

You're a bright, dynamic executive. You've been scheduled to give... Read More

Speaking for FUN and PROFIT

How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More

How Authors Can Get a Free Promotional Tour

I was a celebrity lecture agent in the college and... Read More

Five Tips for Overcoming Public Speaking Nerves

Your mouth is dry, heart palpitating, and knees knocking. You... Read More

Poised for Success: How Developing Self-Awareness Can Improve Your Presentations

There are a number of factors that determine how your... Read More

Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many... Read More

Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value

Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider... Read More

Moving Key Audiences to Take Action?

You know, those really important outside groups of people whose... Read More

The Top 5 Public Speaking Questions Answered

There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More

Five Tired, Worn Out Speaking Cliches

The subject of public speaking is riddled with tired, worn... Read More

Trust in Training: Societys Effect on an Audience

It is important to be continually aware that a person... Read More

The Little-Known Speechwriting Secrets That Won George W Bush The US Election

He's been accused of "mangling the language, destroying its meaning... Read More

Presentation Skills Without PowerPoint

Can you identify what each of these actions or activities... Read More

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters.... Toastmasters....What is Toastmasters?Is it a bunch of guys in... Read More

The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Speakers

Successful speakers do not do all the right things all... Read More

Get Speaking

On a recent Sunday evening, I watched a friend 'graduate'... Read More

7 Sure Fire Ways To Overcome Stage Fright When Speaking Or Performing

Prayer or Meditation: If you're a believer you can pray... Read More

What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?

Why do you have to be an expert when getting... Read More

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More

Timing - Why You Should Never Go Overtime with Your Presentation or Speech

In a conference setting, nothing annoys audiences more than talks... Read More

Lessons in Love for the Shy at Heart

One of the biggest regrets of my life is that... Read More

Opening Your Speech

Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,... Read More

How to Build Respect with Your Audience: Positive Thinking and Outhouse Eyes

Do you believe in natural laws? Laws like:? What goes... Read More