Public speaking is an important skill to hone. Having a well-crafted speech can be essential in reaching your target audience. This post will explore the characteristics of an excellent public speech that can help maximise impact. From understanding what’s expected of you in terms of content to focusing on storytelling techniques, follow along and learn how you can deliver a perfect public speech.
Qualities of a Good Public Speaker
A good speech should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should be well-organized and logical and have a strong opening and closing statement. If you want to become a good public speaker, you should:
Be Passionate About Your Topic
When you’re passionate about your topic, it shows in your voice, body language, and presentation. This shows the audience that you are not just going through the motions; you truly believe what you are saying. This passion is contagious and will inspire your audience to listen to your speech.
Have an Organized Structure
A good public speaker should have a clear and organised structure. The speech should start with an introduction that captures the audience’s attention and tells them what the speech is about. The body of the speech should be well-organized, with each point flowing logically from the one before it. The conclusion should give the audience a strong impression of what you intended to communicate.
Speak in Clear Language
When speaking in public, it’s important to use a clear and easy language. This means using simple words and sentences and avoiding jargon or acronyms. Slowing down your speech and enunciating your words clearly can also be beneficial. If you can, avoid using filler words like “um” or “ah.”
Tell Stories Throughout the Speech
When giving a public speech, it is important to tell stories that engage the audience. This means choosing stories that are interesting and relevant to the audience. The stories should also be short so as not to lose the audience’s attention.
It is also important to vary the types of stories told. For example, personal stories can connect with the audience and make the subject more relatable. You can use anecdotes to add humour or fun to a speech.
Don’t Fake What You Don’t Know
Being honest and credible are valuable qualities every public speaker should have. Knowing your material inside and out and speaking confidently can make your speech more engaging.
Public speakers who try to act like they know everything about their topic when they really don’t, are not honest or credible. This can quickly turn audiences off and make them lose interest in the speech. Therefore, it is important to only talk about what you know well so you can come across as confident and trustworthy.
How Pronunciation School Can Help
One of the most common characteristics of a good public speaker is clear and concise pronunciation. At Pronunciation School, we can help you perfect your public speaking skills by providing expert instruction on pronouncing words and phrases correctly. We can also help you eliminate any accent that may interfere with your speech’s clarity. Book a free accent assessment today to get started.