Action Tips: Giving a Speech
A speech can communicate a message, bore your audience, confuse people, or be funny. The way you present and
speak contributes to your end result. Practicing the correct way and gaining more and more experience will help you
build your skills and give a great presentation.
Language
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Be comfortable and confident with what you are going to say and the words you will use to do so. This language
should also be something your audience will understand and be comfortable with. The language you use should
be comfortable for both you and the audience. Use words that come to you naturally.
Get to the point
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Less is more! Don’t tell the audience everything you know, but only what they need to hear to understand your
point or argument. Choose the most relevant information to include in your speech is an invaluable skill.
Also be sure to arrange your speech in a way that is quick, clear, and understandable.
Mix it up
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If you are comfortable with things like engaging your audience, go for it! Maintain their attention by sharing
stories that fit in your speech, or asking a question. When writing your speech try to think of how you can bring
your topic back to the everyday.
Back up parts of your speech that could be hard to understand with examples that relate to everyday life.
Examples will also help your audience remember what you said.
Tone
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It’s important to say what you say in the right tone. Your speech’s content should match how you present it.
Practice saying serious things in a more serious tone, etc.
You should also be sure not to sound monotone (sounding emotionless). Part of giving a speech involves being
convincing. When delivering a speech, how you say something can be just as important as what you say. Try not
to put your audience to sleep by practicing speaking in a way that complements and emphasizes what you are
trying to say.
Pace
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Slow it down! It’s often natural for new speakers to speed along. Monitor yourself, take a deep breath and
pretend like you are having a serious conversation with your friend. Make a conscious effort to speak slowly and
clearly.
Volume
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Your voice should be loud enough to carry to the back wall, but not so loud that makes you seem like you are
shouting. If you have time beforehand, ask a friend to stand in the back of the room and monitor your voice’s
volume and projection.
Body language
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Be aware of how you are standing. Are you slumping over, too stiff, or fidgety? Practice in the mirror and stay
calm. While you are on the stage be aware of where your body is. Be careful not to lean on the podium, in
addition to losing your balance, and looking like you’re slouching- audience members might find this
intimidating.
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Stand with both feet in line with your shoulders. This will help you keep your balance.
Go ahead and use your arms, facial expressions, and hands to gesturing. This is natural and might help you
emphasize parts of your speech or better connect with the audience. Yet, some speeches might not call for this;
they might be more poignant or serious. It is up to you to decide. But, no matter what- don’t overdo it on the
gesturing- too much will distract your audience. Let it be natural and again, make an effort to be aware of what
you do with your hands.
Do not put your hands in your pockets or behind you— this will disconnect you from the audience and make you
seem uncomfortable. Let your arms be comfortable by your side and ready to gesture and convey!
Dress
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Add to your first impression by wearing something that is comfortable for both you and the audience. Don’t
under dress for the event, you want your audience listening, not looking at a hot pink shirt.
Eye contact
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This is key! You don’t want to stare anyone down, but be sure to look into the audience and make a connection.
Look up from your notes and have a conversation with your audience.
Move
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You don’t have to walk around the entire time, but give some special attention to the different sides of the
room!
Speech aids
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Rehearse! Too many people read from a paper. It’s okay if you skip a few words here and there. Reading from
your paper will also decrease your opportunity to connect with the audience. Try using index cards with your
main points on them instead.
Visuals
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If you have the opportunity and want to add another level to your presentation, make a PowerPoint, bring
posters, or pictures that will wow the audience!
If you do use a PowerPoint, be sure to not stare at the slides- take a glance and present what you want to, or
have a printed copy. You should also never read the PowerPoint to your audience. Tell them the bigger picture
or smaller details. They can read and listen at the same time.
Go easy, don’t use too many slide transitions, noises, pictures, or moving parts. Also try to keep things uniform
and use clear colors that will be easy to read in the back of the room.
Just having a visual doesn’t mean your speech will be better. It should be quality and you should be comfortable
incorporating your visual into your presentation.
Nerves
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If you normally get nervous or slightly anxious, here are some tips: take deep breaths (seriously!) before and
during your speech. When you first step on stage ground yourself and take a moment to get comfortable with
the audience. Pretend that you are talking to your friends.
Also remember that its normal to be nervous and the more you present the better and more comfortable you
will be. Also know that everyone makes mistakes, and if you make one, no one will know unless you tell them or
show it on your face!
Before the big day, make sure you practice! You might be uncomfortable asking neighbors and friends to listen,
but you should- if you mess up, get it out of your system now and do it with people who will laugh with you!