Tip Of The Day: Writing An Effective Speech

There is an old adage about giving an effective speech:

•     Tell them what you are going to tell them
•     Tell them
•     Tell them what you’ve just told them

DRAFTING YOUR SPEECH OUTLINE:

• Your introduction is the key message hook or the tell them what you are going to tell them part of your speech. This is where you give your audience a preview of what they are about to hear. Telling them what you are going to tell them right at the beginning of your speech helps your audience relax and feel reassured that you are well organized, are in command of your topic, and respectful of their time. It also creates an atmosphere of anticipation for what you are going to say next.

• Your main points are the body of your speech or the tell them part. As you are writing, itemize each main point and then add an idea or phrase linking each point to the next. Consider using personal experiences, observations, facts, quotes, or benefits to illustrate and elaborate on each of the main ideas. Adding personal narrative makes a speech very powerful. If your speech holds your personal stories, unique viewpoint, and expertise it will make your presentation interesting, accessible, and memorable to your audience.

• The last part of your speech is the tell them what you’ve just told them part of the process. Briefly summarize your main points and then at the end, leave them with your key message hook. This is the main idea or two that you want your audience to remember. If your audience takes home one idea, which they did not have when they arrived, your speech has been a success.