Six ways to give a great speech

This post came out from The Straits Times (5 January 2016)
Title - Six ways to give a great speech

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Be well prepared
2. Cater to the needs of the audience
3. Do you know how you sound like?
4. Watch your body language
5. Visualise your success
6. Strong introduction

On Be well prepared

• Do your research on the topic you are speaking on and know the subject well. What objective do you hope to achieve through your speech? Having a firm grasp of the topic gives you the confidence and you can focus on delivery. Get someone to read through your speech and correct any errors. 
• Practice, practice, practice. Don't worry if you are new to public speaking or giving presentations. Even the most experienced speaker can feel anxious. It is how you manage your anxiety that can help you deliver a speech smoothly and not let your fears get in the way. 

On Cater to the needs of the audience

• Find out who will be listening to your speech. You should write your speech in a way that will appeal to them. Include anecdotes or examples in your speech that your audience can identify with and easily understand. If your speech is relevant to them, you will be able to capture their attention for a longer time and establish a better connection with them. 

On Do you know how you sound like?

• Rehearse with a friend or colleague and ask for feedback. Develop a thicker skin and accept the constructive feedback with an open mind. 
• Is your speech peppered with pause fillers like "um" or "ah"? Cut these out because they are disruptive, distracting to the audience and make you sound unsure or nervous. 
• Speak at a steady pace, do not rush but do not go at too slow a pace either. Project your voice. You need to speak at a volume that will command attention and signal your confidence. If you speak too softly or mumble your way through your speech, your audience won't be able to follow what you are saying.

On Watch your body language

• Deliver your speech in front of a mirror or ask a friend to evaluate your presentation and provide honest feedback on areas you need to work on. Is your body language friendly and welcoming, or awkward and aloof? 
• A speaker's body language should be natural and complement what he or she is saying. Your stance, movements, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact add credibility and memorability to your speech. 

On Visualise your success

• A person's subconscious mindset, attitude, and way of thinking can contribute towards achieving an excellence performance. 
• Close your eyes in a quiet and relaxed area and imagine yourself giving a presentation. Tell yourself you are well prepared. Feel your confidence level growing as you progress along the speech. 

On Strong introduction

• Use an appropriate attention-getter at the beginning of your speech. Start with a question to engage the audience and evoke some response from them. 
• Want to sound polished and make your message stronger? When repeated thrice, words, phrases, clauses and questions will be more impactful. Humour certainly helps. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big