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As American actress and performer DorothyÌýSarnoff once declared, ‘make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening.’ This quote perfectly encapsulates the power of a great speech – one that has a profound impact on the audience and leaves them thinking. As anyone who has had to write and deliver a speech before knows, this is no easy feat.ÌýÌý

Public speaking is an inevitable part of schooling and one that often brings great angst. It’s a daunting task to speak in front ofÌýyourÌýpeers,Ìýbut it’s just like anything that requires practice. The more you do it, the more confident you become. Who knows, you mayÌýactually learnÌýto enjoy it. Try to think of public speaking less in terms of what others may think of you (because let’s face it, they’ll be more concerned with their own speech), and more as an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, build confidence speaking in front of others and develop your own voice.ÌýÌý

Here areÌýsevenÌýeasyÌýsteps toÌýhelp you prepare and deliverÌýaÌýmemorableÌýspeech.Ìý

1. Draw inspiration

Listen to, watch and read a variety of speeches. Start with some famous examplesÌý–ÌýÌýÌý.’ÌýConsiderÌýwhat makesÌýeachÌýan effective speech. Is it the engaging or relatable subject matter? The powerful tone of voice or use of hand gestures? How the speaker uses humour coupledÌýwith moments of more serious contemplation?ÌýNote the topic,Ìýthe purposeÌýandÌýhow the audience is made to feel.ÌýThis background workÌýshouldÌýinvigorate you to write your own great speechÌýandÌýgive you some concrete tips for your delivery.ÌýÌý

2. Consider your subject matter

Ideally you will have some choice in the topic of your speech and hopefully it will beÌýof interest.ÌýIf this isÌýnot the case (such as an assigned topic or a debate), try and find an element that does interest youÌýandÌýthink ofÌýitÌýas aÌýlearningÌýopportunity. If you’re speaking about a topic that has been widely spoken about before, try and find a fresh angleÌýorÌýtake on the topic. Think about how it will benefit youÌýandÌýyour listeners – you’ll enjoy the process more.Ìý

3. Have a clear purpose

So,Ìýyou’ve got your topic. Now it’s time to consider your purpose. Are you trying toÌýconvinceÌýyour audience of your point of view or are you educating your listeners on aÌýparticular topic? Regardless of the style of your speech, consider what you want your audience to think about, learn, believe and FEEL. This is your chance – whether it’s ten minutes, five or two – to share your voice andÌýmoveÌýyour audience into doing, thinking or believing something that is important to you. As you write your speech, keep returning to your overall purpose. Ask yourself, am IÌýachieving this goal?ÌýÌý

4. Consider your audience

AsÌýwell asÌýthinking about what you want to say,Ìýit’s important toÌýthink about whatÌýmatters to your audience.ÌýHow will you make the content engaging and relatable to your listeners? Why should they care about thisÌýparticular topic? How might it affect their lives? If you want to grab and sustain audienceÌýattention, their interests and priorities should be at the forefront of your mind. Also consider how your language might change depending on your audience. The register and tone of your speechÌýwillÌýdifferÌýforÌýa room full of primary school studentsÌýcompared withÌýadults.ÌýÌý

5. Do your research

The amount of evidence your speech requires will largely depend upon the purpose and style of your speech. For example, if you are preparing a speech on climate change, you will want to include extensive data that demonstrates the impact on the environment. However, don’t limit yourself to facts and figures. Statistics are helpful and certainly show that you’ve done your research. ButÌýremember your audience. Will listing off numbers and percentages sustain their interest?ÌýIncludeÌýsome expert opinions, quotations, contrasting points of view or historical referencesÌýtoÌýadd weight to your argumentsÌýandÌýaffect your listeners on an emotive level.ÌýÌý

6. Plan your structure

The structure of a speech is very similar to the structure of an essay, and just as important. Your audienceÌýisÌýrelying onÌýyou and your voiceÌýto clearly guide them through your main ideas or arguments.ÌýÌý

• Opening: Start strongwithÌýa powerful opening to hook your audience (such as a famous quote, a rhetorical question, a funny anecdote or a short, sharp sentence to make your audience think). Avoid predictable openings such as ‘Hello, my name is…’ (your classmates should know who you are!) Then, clearly identify your topic and include some context. Acknowledge your audience and relate the subject matter to them.Ìý

• Body: Just like essay paragraphs, the body of your speech should contain your main points. Use topic sentences to signpost when you are beginning a new idea. Linking words such as ‘firstly, secondly, finally,’Ìýcanhelp your listeners to follow along. The body of your speech is where you might include some language devices (such as persuasive techniques) to convince your audience of your point of view.ÌýÌý

• Closing: The conclusion of a speech is so much more than a summary. These are your final moments to impart your words of wisdom or mobilise your audience into action. Consider a strong closing line and whether there is anything further you want your audience to do or think about. You want them to continue reflecting after you have finished your speech.Ìý

7. Practise, practise, practise!

Depending upon the length of your speech and your experience, you may choose to write out your speech in full or simply use dot-points to guide your delivery. Personally, I prefer to write out my speeches in full andÌýthenÌýcondense them down to key ideas on cue cards as prompts. Regardless of your preference, until you’re a seasoned speaker, cue cards are aÌýreally helpfulÌýaid. Even just the process of writing cue cards will help you familiarise yourself with your material and clarify your main ideas.ÌýÌý

RememberÌýtheÌýtask is to give a speech, not to read aloud an essay. You want toÌýconnectÌýwith your audience – using eye contact, body language, gestures and the tone and volume of your voice. It’s very hard to do this if you’re reading off an A4 piece of paper. If you’re feeling particularly nervous about speaking, you could even jot down on cue cards places in your speechÌýtoÌýmake eye contact, increase your volume or take a pause for emphasis.Ìý

Everyone knows theÌýold adageÌý‘practice makes perfect.’ÌýRather than striving for perfection,Ìýhowever,Ìýfocus on progress. Think of practice as the key to building confidence and giving yourself the best chance to feel happy with your speech. It doesn’t matter where orÌýwithÌýwhom you practise – in the mirror, to your friends,ÌýfamilyÌýorÌýpetÌý–Ìýthe more you rehearse, the more familiar you will be with the content,Ìýand the more confident and naturalÌýyourÌýdeliveryÌýwill be.Ìý

Lastly, remember that the speech you have written is a gift to your audience – of your time, energy and thoughtfulness. Be proud of what you have put together. Step forward in the knowledge that you and your voice matter and have the power to effect change.Ìý