Deliver Speech or
How to Deliver A Speech

Deliver speech sounds very staid, but in fact is a vital part of getting your message across.

Knowing how to deliver a speech is just as important as what you say in your speech.  If your audience cannot hear you, then the best words, the best humour will not make a difference.

If your audience cannot respond to the delivery of your words, then the time spent crafting what you were going to say will have been wasted.

Take your crafted words and now deliver the perfect speech.

Recently I went to a story writing course with a friend and his daughter.  Part of the course was to tell their stories to the parents who returned an hour before the day ended to hear the stories.

They were brilliant stories, and I knew because I sat in the front row almost in front of each 7, 8 and 9 year old.  BUT only myself and a handful of others heard these magnificent stories.  They were lost for the other 80% of the audience, simply because they could not hear any to those creative words.  What a shame.

Speak Up

Even with a microphone, ensure everyone can hear you when you present.  Those who cannot hear you speak will become restless, and may disturb others.

Without a microphone, you will need to project your voice.

This is not yelling, but lifting your voice to the back of the group or room.

Do a Sound Check

Choose some people in the back and say to them "Can you hear me?".  Choose several people, as just one can be polite and say yes and in fact they cannot.  With several, at least one will say they cannot hear you, and you only need one.

"What about now?" can be your next question to this group at the back.

Check out this video on projecting your voice

Practise

Practise PROJECTING your voice.


The Short Speech

EXAMPLE: A birthday speech

Even within a few short minutes, you can deliver an impactful message.

Even though a speech like a birthday speech is short, see this as an opportunity.  Your feelings are important, and if you feel this is an important speech to celebrate a colleague, a friend, or a family member, then do you know … your audience will also feel that this is an important speech and an important occasion.

  • Prepare in advance
  • Practise out load (if you can)
  • See yourself giving this speech with confidence (visualisation)
  • Think of your vocal tones and your gestures.

Every speech should be to move your audience toward action

In a short speech like a birthday speech, this could be to move or reinforce a positive feeling toward the birthday person.

Every speaking opportunity can entertain, create disinterest or inspire.  Choose to inspire! even for a birthday speech.

Start off with a bang and then simmer it down to an inspirational ending. Attention is usually at its peak in the beginning, and there is not much time to build up. By being emotionally connected to the message, even your short speech can inspire action.

Focus your message

Choose a key sentence and focus your message on this.

Whether it is a quote from a famous person, or your own, or a single idea, choose a sentence that can summarise your message.

For a birthday speech, consider something positive that defines the person well and is recognised by your audience.

Commence early with this sentence and use the time to explain it.  Hearing the sentence a few times summarises your short speech for the audience and also carries the important feelings you delivered.  They will leave with this sentence in their mind and the associated feelings, so choose well.

Final thoughts for the short speech

A speech that lasts only a few minutes can have an effect on people long after you have finished.

The goal with any speech is to deliver impact. If you value this moment, this audience, and this occasion even as short as it is, you will deliver quality that cannot be contained in a time frame. That is your ultimate duty as a speaker and that is your reward.


The Long Speech

Additional Thoughts on How To Deliver A Speech

Overcome anxiety

Set the tone

Consider language and style

Incorporate visual aids

Be aware of time limits

Choose a delivery method

Project a persona

Practise your speech


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