Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people. The fear of standing in front of a crowd and delivering a speech is all too real. However, with the right techniques and practice, it is possible to become a great speaker who captivates the audience. In this article, we will explore some tips from renowned speakers on how to deliver memorable speeches.
The Grand Opening
“A great speech begins with a great opening.” Your opening lines set the tone for the rest of the presentation and create curiosity among the audience. Look at how successful speakers have mastered this art.
Example 1: Sir Ken Robinson, How Schools Kill Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson opens his talk on schools killing creativity in an entertaining manner. He starts with a simple yet effective line, “Good morning. How are you? It’s been great, hasn’t it? I’ve been blown away by the whole thing. In fact, I’m leaving.” This engages the audience and sets the tone for his talk.
Example 2: Jamie Oliver, Teach Every Child About Food
Jamie Oliver begins his talk on the alarming effects of unhealthy food by stating, “Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat.” This statistic grabs the audience’s attention and makes them curious about what he has to say.
Special Mentions: Relate to the Audience
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It is important to connect with your audience and make them feel understood. Your speech is not about you, but about the audience and what you can offer them.
Example: Dan Pink, The Puzzle of Innovation
Dan Pink establishes a connection with his audience by stating, “Think about your own work… everybody in this room is dealing with their own version of the candle problem.” By relating to the audience’s personal experiences, he engages them and grabs their attention.
Communicate Confidence
To assert your statements effectively, combine them with a sense of confidence. The way you deliver your speech can motivate and inspire your audience. Show that you believe in what you are saying.
Example: Winston Churchill, Iron Curtain
Winston Churchill exudes confidence in his speeches through statements like, “I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end.” His assertiveness combined with confidence leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Work it in Triads
Organizing your content in groups of three, known as triads, can help make your speech more effective. Many successful speakers use this technique to deliver their message in a compelling manner.
Example: President Barack Obama, Inauguration Speech 2009
President Obama uses triads in his inauguration speech, such as “Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered” and “We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” This technique adds rhythm and emphasis to his message.
Using Metaphors, Irony, and Humor
Making your audience laugh can be a powerful tool in capturing their attention. Humor helps lighten the mood and makes your speech more memorable. Use metaphors and irony to create intrigue and engage your audience.
Example: Winston Churchill, Iron Curtain
Churchill uses a metaphor to describe the division between western and eastern Europe as an “iron curtain.” This vivid imagery captures the audience’s attention and sets the stage for his speech.
Ask Rhetorical Questions
Make your speech interactive by asking rhetorical questions. Engage the audience and encourage them to reflect on the topic at hand.
Example: Ken Robinson, Do Schools Kill Creativity?
Ken Robinson asks the audience, “Everybody has an interest in education. Don’t you?” and “The whole purpose of public education throughout the world is to produce university professors. Isn’t it?” These questions provoke thought and keep the audience engaged.
Vocals and Gestures Matter
Your delivery style and mannerisms contribute significantly to the impact of your speech. Pay attention to your vocal levels and gestures to accentuate your message and engage the audience.
Example: Dan Pink, The Puzzle of Motivation
Dan Pink uses vocal emulations and gestures effectively, conveying his enthusiasm and convictions. Although his finger waggling has been criticized, his emphasis, pauses, and varied pacing make for an engaging speech.
Employ Contrast
Contrasts help highlight key catchphrases and signal the audience to pay attention. Use this technique to make your message stand out.
Example: Winston Churchill, Iron Curtain
Churchill contrasts the idea of a “true temple of peace” with a “cockpit in a Tower of Babel” to emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation.
Make the Most of Repeating
Repeating key theme words throughout your speech reinforces your message and makes it more memorable.
Example: Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream
In his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. repeats
