SPEECH 101
- Decide when you’re going to make your speech to have the most impact and largest audience (beginning, middle or end of event).
- Practice your speech and try to deliver without reading notes.
USE THIS FRAMEWORK:
What do you want the audience to KNOW
What do you want the audience to FEEL
What do you want the audience to DO
WHAT TO INCLUDE:
Your speech should ultimately try to answer these questions:
Why is the organization or cause you’re championing important?
Why should someone care about this cause or problem?
What does the organization you’re supporting do?
Why should someone join or give to this effort?
How can someone join or give to this effort?
- Use our Pitch Builder to make sure you include all important details and are prepared
- Share your call to action and overall goal
- Share how participants can keep the momentum going or continue their involvement
- Share future action, dates and times
TOP TIPS (ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE NERVOUS):
- Accept that being nervous is not a bad thing. Good news is that nervousness produces adrenaline which will help you think faster and speak with enthusiasm.
- Don’t try to be perfect. Instead think of just being yourself.
- Know your details inside and out. This will help with your confidence when it comes time to speak.
- Engage your audience. Ask questions and have them participate in an activity to hold their attention.
- Breathe. Obviously, you need to do this. Take a few purposeful, slow breaths and tell yourself “I’ve got this and I am relaxed.”
- Visualize your success. Imagine your speech from start to finish and picture what you and your audience will look like as you go.
- Practice out loud. Best way to reduce anxiety is to hear yourself saying the words. Doing it for a friend or family member is even better.
- Make eye contact. Looking at your audience is tough if you’re nervous. Before you start, find friendly faces to focus on. If you give them a smile, you’re likely to get one in return!