Your First Speech

Every journey begins with your first step and every great speaker had to start with their first speech. Your first speech is meant to “test” the waters and begin to get a feel for what public speaking is all about. Experts will tell you that the best way to overcome nervousness about speaking in public is to get up and deliver a speech (a short one preferably).

There are many tools and techniques in giving a great speech and you will learn those in later lessons, but for now you will just need to have a sense of the various steps involved in developing and presenting a speech. Really, preparing a speech is not very different than organizing and writing a paper (one you did in 5th grade).

The Speech Development Process

Select a Topic. You can’t speak if you don’t know what to speak about. Your first speech (and most speeches) is about a topic that you are familiar with, and better yet, passionate about. Here are some questions that will help you discover a topic.

1. What am I passionate about?
2. What inspires me?
3. What is something that I am good at?
4. What is unique about me?
5. What is a good story about me?
6. What is controversial?
7. What is a hobby of mine?
8. If I could be doing anything right now, what would it be and why?

The “what, why, and how” statements are always good for starting the thought process. One of my sayings is, “Ask a better question, and you get a better answer.” This applies to so many problems in life, including finding a topic to speak on. There is a book that I highly recommend that deals with asking yourself good questions, it’s called The Question behind the Question. This is a book I have included in my resource library.

Analyze the Audience. The process of analyzing your audience is actually a highly systematic process that I will discuss in another lesson, but just know for now that it is important to know whom you are going to be speaking to. What is the audience’s age, gender, religion, interest, etc. What does the audience already know and how much do they know about the topic you have picked? The more you know about your audience, the better off you will be.

Speech Purpose and Specific Purpose. Once you have selected an appropriate topic and you understand your audience, you need to determine the purpose of your speech. There are two types of purpose, general and specific. A general purpose would be to inform, persuade, or for a special occasion such as a wedding or dinner event. A specific purpose is a declarative statement that states what you expect your speech will accomplish. An example would be: To persuade the audience that running is the best form of exercise.

Compose a Thesis Statement. A thesis statement clearly expresses the central idea of your speech. It follows the general and specific purpose you have already created. A thesis statement is often called a topic sentence.

Main Points. Main points are the primary concepts or arguments of your speech. Each main point directly relates to your specific purpose and thesis statement.

Supporting Material. Supporting material “supports” the main points. Each main point will need additional material to help clarify and give strength to your speech. Supporting material can be direct quotes, statistics, personal experiences, research, etc. The more reputable your supporting material, the more credible your speech will be. Remember, everything on the Internet is not true!

Outline Your Speech. Every speech is made up of 5 major parts: attention-getter, introduction, body, conclusion, memorable ending.

1. Attention-getter: does just what it says, gets the audience's attention. A good speaker will use some kind of material that will resonate with the audience. It's important to remember that an attention-getter enhances the topic and purpose. Attention-getters can be:
1. A clean, funny joke that ties into the speech.
2. A story (personal or narrative).
3. Some "secret" information or information that is not widely known.
4. A quote.
5. A poem.
2. Introduction: welcomes the audience, introduces yourself, introduces the topic and purpose, catches the audience’s attention and interest, and provides a clear transition to body of speech.
3. Body of Speech: introduces the main ideas of the speech and illustrates them with supporting material. The body of the speech is an organization of your ideas and is well suited for the audience. There is a transition statement at the end of the body to the conclusion statement.
4. Conclusion Statement: tells the audience what you just told them (reiterate the specific purpose and main points). A good conclusion leaves the audience satisfied and with something to think about. This is your last chance to be memorable.
5. Memorable ending: wraps up the speech and leaves a "powerful" impression with your audience. It ties into your speech and enhances the topic you presented. A memorable statement can be:
1. A highlight or main point of the speech you want to emphasize.
2. A rhetorical question/statement.
3. A story (funny or emotional)
4. A quote
5. A poem

Presentation Aids. Always consider what presentations aids will be used to make your speech more effective. You will also need to consider the venue you will be presenting in because it may not be equipped with the technology or layout for your presentation aids (PowerPoint, audio, video, displays, etc.).

Practice. Practice your speech ahead of time. If you can video yourself or record yourself (it will surprise you and may even embarrass you). You will want to practice the following:

• Using appropriate body language.
• Volume of voice.
• Speed at which you talk (most beginners will talk much faster when presenting, even after they have practiced).
• Using words correctly (pronunciation).  
• Reducing your filler words (um, and, uh, and so, yah, etc.).
• Smiling and using appropriate facial expressions.
• Making eye contact with your audience.

Your first speech will be a lot easier than you think.



Questions

1. What are some other tips and tricks that will help you prepare for your first speech?
   
2. Reflect back on a recent speech (or your first speech) you have given, what would you have done differently and why?
   
3. Do you really think picturing your audience naked or bald is a good technique to use (especially in your first speech)? Why or why not?