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Keep These In Mind When Writing Down A Speech



Writing a speech can be intimidating for even the most experienced CEO.


Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.


1. What bond or relationship do you create with the audience/listener?


It's not just about the content of the speech or how well the speaker speaks, it's about the relationship the speaker builds with the audience. One needs to adapt to the audience.


Go personal. Great leaders get personal and this makes them look more passionate about the topic because this passion gets transferred to the audience. Your audience not only wants to respect you, but they also want to like you. It’s okay to be humble, even self-deprecating (in a humorous way), but be sincere. Tell stories that help the audience get to know you and, at the same time, deliver your vision. Also while going personal, be honest.


Effective communication is largely based on trust. You have to trust the person you are speaking with to provide the correct information in an easy-to-understand manner.


Share a genuinely emotional story. Tell a story and let your emotions show. If you were sad, say so. If you cried, say so. If you felt remorse, let it show. When you share genuine feelings you create an immediate and lasting connection with the audience. Emotion trumps speaking skills every time.



2. Use of humor.


I once heard someone saying ‘never underestimate the power of laughter’. This not only reduces stress eases out any tension and lightens up the atmosphere. However, don’t go overboard that it deviates from the purpose of the speech. Everyone likes to laugh, and laughing relieves stress and releases endorphins, which can help to improve the overall mood of the conversation. Make sure your humor is appropriate to the situation, though.


Make the audience participate. This makes them feel a part of the presentation/workshop.



3. Body language.


I read in a book that every time you open your mouth, your capability as a leader is judged. However, I believe even when you are silent, your capability is being judged. How? By the way, you walk, talk, your body posture, hand gestures, eye contact, and expressions.


When does the audience start to access or judge the speaker? Not when the speaker starts to speak but when the speaker enters the room. A presentation starts before the speaker starts to even speak.



4. Have a strong opening and conclusion.


If the conversation is long or needs to make a point, focus on the beginning and the ending of your talk. Sound knowledge of the beginning and end of your speech gives you the right kind of confidence and ease to get talking in the first place.


a. Opening: It is said that your opener needs to have a fantastic hook. You need to give them a ‘why’ before the ‘how’. Like I did when I told you why public speaking is important (because it can boost your life by 50%) before going on to tell you about the ‘how’.


The opening should capture the audience’s attention and here you should introduce your topic.

  • A question that puts everybody’s mind to work

  • An illustration, question, or story

  • A product display

  • A market statistic


Never start with:

  • Any apology

  • Or story or statement that does not correspond to the topic

  • A common or regular observation or incident

  • A boring or long story or illustration


You’ve heard it said that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.


b. Conclusion: During these types of talks it is important to have a powerful and worth-remembering conclusion because that is what the audience remembers the most.


Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

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