How should I prepare for a speech?

Question

I know what I want to say, but I'm nervous to get in front of people.

Answer 1

Great question. Change your mindset. It's not nervousness, its excitement! You are excited to share your story with the audience. The audience wants you to be successful. The more you visualize and feel your content, the easier it will be to paint that picture with words.

Answer 2

Preparation (5-10 minutes)

First, think about your audience. Who are they and what do they care about? If you are speaking to a mixed audience (maybe a teacher and classmates), think about what each group cares about separately. Write it down.

Second, think about the main purpose of your speech or presentation. Are you helping people become more informed? Are you persuading them to change their belief or behavior? Are you demonstrating something to help people develop a skill? Are you proving that you are an expert? Summarize the purpose of your speech/presentation in 1-2 sentences.

Third, review your limitations. Do you have a certain amount of time? Are you speaking into a microphone or not? Can you see the audience or not? Will you be using technology? Are you being graded on a rubric? Get clear on your limitations and opportunities so you can plan for them from the start.

Content (1-3 hours)

Next, map out what you want to say in an outline, paragraphs, or a list. Just get it out of your head so you can work with it. If writing is difficult, try using a voice-to-text tool so you can speak what you want to say and have it translate into writing.

Next, look at what you wrote and ask yourself: does this accomplish my purpose? Will it keep my audience engaged and interested? If not, look for ways to add credibility

1. quotes from other experts that your audience will know and trust
2. statistics that are from reliable sources
3. personal stories or hypothetical situations that connect with your point and will help your audience relate
4. images that convey or support a point you want to make (if you are using a visual aid)

Look at the order of your information. Are you starting with your more interesting statement or idea? Are you ending with a call to your purpose?

Delivery (1-3 hours)

Practice your speech/presentation. If you can, record yourself so you can watch and/or listen to it. Look at your body language and listen for words you may repeat or places you may pause. Check your speed--people often speak much more quickly when they are nervous. This will be difficult because everyone thinks their voice sounds weird and everyone is harder on themselves than others will likely be. So give yourself grace and remind yourself that you aren't perfect, but you can be confident and convincing.

Practice in front of someone you trust and ask them to give you specific feedback based on your audience and purpose.

1. "Let me know if I'm speaking in a way that is engaging but not too fast. Should I pause more often? If so where?"
2. "Please tell me if you think this would persuade a teenager to take ______ action. If not, what might help me be more convincing?"
3. "I want to know if there are any places where I am being confusing or if I should add more information. Also, can you let me know if my visuals were effective by keeping you interested and adding to my points?"

Plan your wardrobe based on the audience, purpose, and context. Consider your personality--will rocking a suit help you feel confident and make you stand out in a way that keeps your audience engaged? Will being dressed most comfortably help you relax and allow you to speak more naturally? Choose based on what will help YOU perform your best.

Right before the speech/presentation

1. For 1-3 minutes, slow your mind and heart by breathing deeply over and over.
2. Review your notes, but don't try to cram any new information at the last minute.
3. Remind yourself about the stakes--this will be a learning experience either way.
4. Remind yourself that public speaking is the number 1 fear of people. Everyone gets nervous. Yet thousands of speeches and presentations are given every day. You can do this!