How to Make a Compelling Speech
You are probably reading this because you think you want to deliver a speech similar to what you see on the TEDx talks on Youtube.
Delivering a compelling speech is essential for capturing and maintaining your audience’s attention. Inspired by insights from a TEDx founder, this guide will provide actionable tips to enhance your public speaking skills.
What to do for crafting compelling speeches
Let´s look into the details.
I like to think when I am preparing a speech
that my audience has two buttons.
a green one and a red on.
And depending what I will do on my first 30 seconds,
they will either press the green (they want to hear more) or the read (they already got ¨tired¨).
Of course,your goal should be to engage and retain your audience,
in other words, to make them press the green button.
You can speak confidently,
when you know what to do.
🎓 More than +155 people (and counting) trained in the art of public speaking
📥 Receive in your inbox a FREE mini-course to learn how to speak in public better than 90% of your colleagues
Know Your Audience
Same with any other human relationship,
get to know the other person, in this case your audience.
Meet People Where They Are
Understanding your audience is crucial. Tailor your message to meet them where they are. This means considering their interests, knowledge level, and what they care about most.
Invite Them on a Journey
Engage your listeners by inviting them on a journey. Make them feel like they are part of the narrative, leading them through your ideas in a structured and appealing manner.
Start Strong
Avoid starting with the simple: Hello, my name is … (remember about those green/red buttons)
Don’t Re-introduce Yourself
Jump straight into your content without lengthy introductions. Your audience is more interested in what you have to say than in who you are.
Anchor Yourself
Take a moment to gather your thoughts, then say something interesting right off the bat. This sets the tone and grabs attention immediately.
Keep It Concise and Relevant
Use the Dress Rule
Follow the dress rule for your speech: long enough to cover the subject but short enough to keep it interesting. Avoid unnecessary details that might bore your audience.
Eight-Word Mission Statement
Distill your message into an eight-word mission statement: verb, target, outcome. This keeps you focused and ensures your message is clear.
Use Visuals Wisely
Great Visuals
Incorporate great visuals to support your speech. Images, charts, and videos can enhance understanding and retention.
Black Slides for Emphasis
Use black slides (or breaks in visuals) when you’re done with a point. This creates a visual pause, allowing your audience to digest information.
Avoid Slide Dependency
Slides should complement your speech, not act as a crutch. Make sure your speech can stand alone if needed.
Simplify Complexity
Make the Complex Simple
Break down complex ideas into simple, understandable chunks. Use analogies and examples to clarify your points.
Think in Tweets
Aim for brevity and clarity. Craft your sentences like tweets, turning phrases into memorable “earworms” that stick with your audience.
Maintain a Balanced Tone
Avoid Ego and Preachiness
Your audience is turned off by ego and preachiness. Maintain humility and speak from a place of shared understanding.
Be Wary of Absolutes
Avoid using absolutes like “100% of the time” or “this always happens.” Such statements can alienate your audience if they don’t resonate universally.
Humor and Format
Use Humor Appropriately
Humor can be effective if you’re naturally funny. Otherwise, it might fall flat and detract from your message.
Optimal Slide Format
For presentations, use a 16:9 wide format for slides. Dark backgrounds are preferable as they are easier on the eyes for large audiences and recordings.
Conclusion
Creating a compelling speech involves understanding your audience, starting strong, maintaining relevance, using visuals effectively, simplifying complexity, balancing your tone, and using appropriate humor. By following these guidelines, you can craft speeches that captivate and retain your audience’s attention.
You can speak confidently,
when you know what to do.
🎓 More than +155 people (and counting) trained in the art of public speaking
📥 Receive in your inbox a FREE mini-course to learn how to speak in public better than 90% of your colleagues