If you lack the confidence or skills to give a speech an organization which can help you become a competent communicator is Toastmasters. This international organization helps you gain experience in rehearsed and impromptu speaking skills aiding you in identifying crutch words and getting your stomach butterflies in alignment for speaking in front of a group.
If you still are not sold on public speaking but have great writing skills perhaps speechwriting may be for you. Professional speeches are usually not written by the speaker. It is common practice to utilize the skills of a speechwriter. Not only does the speechwriter need to understand the purpose and audience, they must also study the speaker and know the speaker’s style and gestures. In addition, a speechwriter writing the speech must do it in a manner that uses words that the speaker would use as well as the language and tone of the speaker. The speech must sound like the speaker, not the speechwriter. If the speechwriter has done a great job, the speaker will appear credible and believable.
Speeches typically have a main point which is elaborated on during the speech. The speech should follow a logical organization containing an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction begins with a few general comments and thanks to your audience and segues into your main point, the body. The body of the speech answers the what (main idea) and why (explanation of the main point). Take the time to explain why your comments and words are important to your audience. When giving or writing a speech, the conclusion summarizes and reiterates the main point. If the speaker or speechwriter has been successful, the audience will be left thinking “Wow!” rather than “so what.”
2 comments:
Toastmasters really is a great program and tool for those who have to speak in front of audiences. I had a fear of talking in front of people, and felt much more comfortable preparing speeches and presentations for others. When I retired from the Navy, it came apparent that I would be in front of an audience on several occasions. The company that I work for has their own Toastmasters program, and I immediately joined. The program has helped me face my fears of talking in front of large audiences, resulting in allowing me to get my messages out to my audience.
to Barb -
I haven't been very active in our site Toastmasters group recently since I usually have homework to do! Will be back in the swing of things soon as I am counting down the weeks to graduation!
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