How to Prepare a Speech … in 6 easy steps

What do you do before giving a speech?

It is also the best way to reduce nervousness and combat fear. Speech preparation is the most important element to a successful presentation, It is also the best way to reduce nervousness and combat fear.

Step 1 Know your Topic Your topic leads to your core message — the entire presentation aims to deliver this core message to your audience.

Step 2 Create a Speech Outline Your speech needs structure. Without structure, your audience will either wonder what your core message is or they will lose interest in you entirely. Sadly, this step is often skipped to “save time.” A planned outline is vital.

Step 3 Write/think about the Speech Speech writing is an iteractive process which begins with your first draft. Once the first draft is created, speech writing involves massaging your speech into its most effective form. Edit your speech for focus, clarity, concision, continuity, variety and impact.

Step 3 Write/think about the Speech Remember your speech should be written for the ear and you should adopt it so it does not sound like an essay or a legal document.

Step 4 Apply gestures, staging and vocal variety At this stage, the words are ready, but that’s all you have — words. A presentation is not read by the audience; it is listened to and watched.

Step 5 Practice and ask for feedback Great speakers seem natural when they speak, almost as though they are speaking the words for the first time. Rehearsing your speech makes you a master of the content.

Step 5 Practice and ask for feedback Asking for feedback and acting on it gives you confidence that your presentation will be a success.

Step 6 Self-evaluation This could be the first step in preparing for your next speech. After you’ve delivered your speech, examine your performance objectively. This will solidify lessons learned as you prepare for your next speech challenge.

Let’s practice

Let’s practice