Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tips for An Upcoming Speech

By: Seerat Sandhu

Do you have an upcoming speech? Are you feeling anxious and nervous? There are certain suggestions that contemporary research have provided about public speaking. The author, J. Dan Rothwell provides advice on how to effectively build confidence before a speech. The suggestions include:

Audience Analysis:  Before a speech, consider the needs, goals and hopes of the audience. Understanding an audience ensures that the speaker will be prepared to meet their needs.

Don’t Procrastinate: A well prepared speech can lead to a successful presentation. In comparison, a lack of thorough preparation often results in poor speech performance; reinforcing the speaker’s perception of difficulty in public speaking. Take time to work on the speech earlier so more research can be incorporated to build confidence.

Select an Appropriate Topic: A passionate topic can increase motivation and help manage fear. Knowing the topic ensures familiarity which results in confidence.

Be Organized: It is important that there is organization in a speech so that the audience can follow and remain engaged throughout the presentation. To get started, review the specific assignment and the guidelines.

Reference

Rothwell, J. Dan (2013). In the company of others: an introduction to communication. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.