Add Up Articles Directory | Free Articals | New Articles Daily | Speeches are just a matter of putting your particular thoughts into words

Speeches can, and do, change the world. The speeches of a leader such as Winston Churchill for instance kept up the morale of the British people during the World War. He didn’t promise an easy victory but he did promise that Britain would keep on fighting for victory. The words of Martin Luther King inspired the civil rights movement in America. Yet there are other speeches that make a difference too although most of us will never hear them. The motivational words of a football manager before a game is one example. By what he says he can influence the course of the match. The inspirational speech of a third world aid worker can influence others to do like work. The teacher who paints a rosy picture of his or her school in an openhouse speech will encourage parents to send their children to that particular school.

So speeches can make a big difference but yet most people dread having to stand up in public and address an audience. They, quite literally, shiver in their shoes at the idea. The real reason for this, of course, is that they have no idea what to say. They may be burning with enthusiasm but they don’t know how to convey that enthusiasm to others in the spoken word.

Speeches are about catchy openings, well presented facts and convincing closings. Add to that a touch of humour and it helps to make it topical. Study your audience so that you will know what should and, very importantly, should not be said. Never ever use foul language or blue jokes because even if one person in your audience is offended then that is one too many. Get used to speaking with a microphone and don’t forget that your speech, or just the headings, should be on cue cards. If you are using slides please ensure that they work before the big night. There is nothing more frustrating for an audience than to have to wait while the speaker reshuffles those slides.

Speakers should take some deep breaths before starting and, if possible, have a friendly and encouraging face in the audience. The more often a speech is practised the more confident the speaker will be on the occasion. So practise, practise and practise some more. Such speeches will then sound professional, well rehearsed and convincing. Most importantly you are conveying the idea that you made an effort for your audience. They will appreciate that.

The average speaker will not usually be facing a hostile crowd. He or she may be giving a speech at a wedding or a birthday party for instance. So the audience will be friendly. So speak to them as friends and you will probably find that while you may not change the world you will probably change people’s opinion of you, to one of great admiration!