Speaking Is Sexy Tip #24, Vol. 2- What Makes a Good Speech Great?

Speaking Is Sexy Tip #24, Vol. 2

What Makes a Good Speech Great?

When you have to give a speech, what's the first thing you think of? "What do I want to say?" Or "Why me? Why now? How can I avoid it? Why did I agree to do this in the first place?"

Some people just love to get up in front of an audience and tell all they know. They seem to be natural speakers, very comfortable on their feet, always know the right thing to say and can say it with humor and enthusiasm.

Then there are those who feel that getting up to speak is like going to the dentist: they know they've gotta do it, but wish they didn't. Giving a talk in front of a group of people, large or small, is an ordeal akin to walking through fire. Some are sure the audience will hate them and they'll go down in flames. Some are so terrified they'll use any excuse not to speak, ever, no way, no how. Even if it would help them grow their business, improve their professional status, or simply give a simple wedding or retirement party toast, they're sure that whatever they say won't be good enough.

Giving a good speech is a skill like any other. The truth is that whatever you have to say and how you wish to say it will be good enough if you believe in the value of your subject and use a few easy-to-learn techniques.

Let's agree that if you're going to give a talk, it's because you have something to say that the audience needs and wants to hear. Whether you've been asked to speak by someone else or you've volunteered, you have information that will benefit your listeners. This is your gift to them. Everyone who gets up to speak has a gift to share with the audience. The audience, in its turn, is there to receive that gift. They've come to listen, to learn, and to applaud you for giving them something valuable that they didn't have before.

What makes a good speech great? Start with W.I.I.F.T. What's In It For Them?

The key to giving a great speech is to put yourself in the listeners' shoes. What would interest them? What would make their day better, or their work better, or their life better? The mistake many speakers make is they are so worried about themselves, how they look, how they sound, how they're coming across, that they forget the real reason they're up there in the first place. Think about the audience! You're there to give them the gift of your knowledge. They must be the focus of all your attention. Not you. Them!

The second key is belief. If you believe that what you're saying is valuable, that it'll make their lives better in some way and it's vitally important that they understand and be able to use what you're giving them, your passion to share it will come through. Belief is catching. When you believe strongly in your gift, the audience will be carried along by your enthusiasm and ride your wave of passion with you. That doesn't mean you have to wave your hands around in the air and exhort them like a fire and brimstone preacher. Quiet confidence is just as catching and way easier to listen to. When the audience feels that you strongly believe in your message, your gift to them, they'll be inclined to believe it, too.

A great speech is one the audience feels was created especially for them; that the speaker went all out to give them something valuable to take home and use in their own lives. They'll admire and appreciate you for giving them your very special gift. That's what they'll remember and that will definitely be good enough.