One of the most powerful tools you could ever learn is how to give an effective speech. With just one presentation, you could influence a massive amount of people. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as a perfect example of how his speeches inspired the masses to bring about the civil rights movement for African Americans. The following are tips for use in effectively communicating a message before an audience:
Eliminate Filler Words
The following words should be eliminated whenever making a speech – ah, um, you know, just, like, yeah, yup. Most people use these filler words to fill in the empty spaces when they speak. Unfortunately, they think that saying something to fill in the space is better than leaving an empty space. Having space between your words are natural and lets the audiences’ minds rest during those moments. It’s better than hearing a string of filler words.
Start in a Unique Way
Most speakers walk onto a platform and simply begin their speech. This is the most standard approach and because it’s so standard, it's boring. This is acceptable if you’re a politician, at an elegant dinner setting, a wedding, a funeral, or any formal setting. However, to entertain and audience, begin in a unique way. Try starting from within the crowd and speak while walking towards the platform. Stand on a chair to make an announcement. Or even start with an enthusiastic scream.
Share Your Personal Story
If you start just by talking without connecting to the audience, people will have a harder time listening to you. They’ll think, "I don’t know this person so why should I bother to listen?" To build a connection with people, share something personal about yourself. Once they feel they know you a little, they are more engaged in what you have to say. Share how you grew up just like everybody else, struggled at difficult times in your life, or provide personal reasons for why you’re giving your speech.
Allow for Comfortable Pauses
Silence can be used to powerful effect in a speech. If you’re talking about an emotional story, once you’ve finished a crucial sentence, allow for a moment of silence so the audience can absorb the impact. Or if you have an important phrase you want people to remember, say it once with emphasis, pause a moment, then repeat it. Emphasizing a pause makes the message before and after it that much more important.
Laugh at Your Mistakes
If you drop the microphone, bump into the podium, or knock something over, react jokingly about the situation. They’ll forgive you for it and even laugh along with you. Many times it will work in your favor as it will show that you are human and not some superhero on a stage.
Just remember, be unique and share yourself to connect with audience members. And there's no need to rush through your presentation because the clearer you speak, the better people will receive your message. And lastly, try to enjoy the speech regardless of any unexpected obstacles because if you have a good time on stage, so will the audience.
