Toastmasters helps people learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking.
Professional Speaker, Radio Show Host, Toastmaster
Every speech should have three parts;
Opening, Body & Close.
Opening
Grab the attention of the audience and establish rapport. If you don�t they will not listen to the rest of your speech.
Sample opener:
A challenging question,
An appropriate quotation,
A startling statement.
Never open with a joke, unrelated story or apology.
Body
Organize your message into three or five points depending on the length of your talk. Less is stronger. Picture a billboard - it is more powerful with fewer words. Tell your audience where you are going then take them there. E.g. �I will tell you three important reasons for change.� Support each point with facts, an illustration or anecdote.
Close
This is the last thing they hear - and it may be the only thing they remember. Make it memorable.
Sample closes:
A summary of your key points,
A specific appeal for action,
A quotation to anchor your message.
Write your speech to rehearse the first time. Then summarize it using key words. Rehearse using the key words as notes. Practise your speech, standing in front of a mirror, at least three times.
Delivering your speech
Make eye contact when you speak. Don�t stare at your notes or the back wall. Deliver your speech to each person in the audience one individual at a time.
Smile. Smile when you start, smile when you say something important and smile when you end. A well-placed pause adds impact to your words. Your voice is an instrument. Vary the pace, tone, pitch and volume to maintain interest and convey conviction and belief.
Improving
Ask one person to evaluate your speech effectiveness each time and give you honest feedback. Someone who tells you that you were great every time is not helping you. Find a Toastmaster who can give you constructive tips.
Persuasion
Persuade with facts, logic and emotion. Reach people by appealing to their feelings. All the great leaders appealed to emotion and hope.
More Tips for Effective Speeches
Words
Words can be exciting or boring. Use action verbs. Avoid �is� and �have�. Use words that capture attention and imagination. Paint word pictures. Explain complex issues in simple analogies. Einstein explained his theory of relativity by talking about a man walking on a moving train. Avoid jargon. ackle issues that challenge the most intelligent in your audience and speak so the simplest can understand. Speak the language of your audience. Remember, if they cannot understand you, they will not believe you.
Voice
Breathe deeply so that you can project your voice. Speak slower to lower your voice - and make it more believable. Speak faster to convey excitement or urgency. Breathe deeply to shake off nervous jitters.
Body Language
What we hear - we first filter through the visual images. Before we start to listen, we look at the speaker and ask the question, �Should I listen to this person?� then we ask, �Should I believe this person?� If you are pacing or fidgeting we do not believe you. Stand solidly and comfortably with your hands by your side - not in your pockets or clutching the lectern. Let your hands gesture naturally as you speak. Use your hands to show size, numbers, and excitement. Remember the audience will be a mirror of you. If you are frowning and ugly - your audience will reflect that image.
Close
Voice
Body language
Audience response
Eye Contact
Face
Words
Organization
Clarity
Professional Speaker, Radio Show Host, Toastmaster