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How to Create a Speech in Less Than 10 Minutes
Most of us don't really have the luxury of creating speeches weeks in advance. And even if we do, we tend to leave it till the very last minute. I'm definitely guilty of that. This tells you how you can create a speech in less than ten minutes that is equally effective and to-the-point (without all the fluff!).
Start with the Conclusion!
It is critical to have the end in mind. In the case of your speech, ask yourself, what's your message? Are you convincing the board to say yes to the new IT project? Are you inspiring your committee to work as team? Are you persuading your customers to buy your product? No matter what speech you make, however long or short it is, you always have a message!
Note: if your speech is a relatively short one (say five–ten minutes), focus on just one message. In that way, your audience has a higher chance of remembering it.
Three Points Max
What are three reasons why this IT project is critical to the growth of your company? What are three ways your team can follow their heart? What are three problems that can be solved by using your product? For every point you made, substantiate it with an example or even a mini story to underscore your point.
Work On an Attention Grabber
The first 30 seconds of your speech is the most important as your audience will subconsciously decide if they should listen to you for the next nine minutes and 30 seconds. So you should always aim to grab their attention right from the start. It can come in many forms. Here is a list of attention grabbers that you can try for size.
Your attention grabber should be an answer to the following question: "Why should the audience listen to you?" or "What's in it for them?" This will create a stake for them and you will have them eating from your hand.
Lastly...
I cannot emphasise the importance of practice! Try out the techniques as often as you can. You will find yourself getting increasingly competent. With the extra time at hand, you can then focus on improving the quality of your speech or honing your delivery skills. In no time, you will be on your way to become a highly effective speaker!
Eric Feng won the International Humour Contest at division level last year. He is passionate about public speaking and takes pride in writing articles of value to individuals who are seeking to find their voice in public speaking. You can read more about his articles at www.ericfeng.com.
Start with the Conclusion!
It is critical to have the end in mind. In the case of your speech, ask yourself, what's your message? Are you convincing the board to say yes to the new IT project? Are you inspiring your committee to work as team? Are you persuading your customers to buy your product? No matter what speech you make, however long or short it is, you always have a message!
Note: if your speech is a relatively short one (say five–ten minutes), focus on just one message. In that way, your audience has a higher chance of remembering it.
Three Points Max
What are three reasons why this IT project is critical to the growth of your company? What are three ways your team can follow their heart? What are three problems that can be solved by using your product? For every point you made, substantiate it with an example or even a mini story to underscore your point.
Work On an Attention Grabber
The first 30 seconds of your speech is the most important as your audience will subconsciously decide if they should listen to you for the next nine minutes and 30 seconds. So you should always aim to grab their attention right from the start. It can come in many forms. Here is a list of attention grabbers that you can try for size.
- Startling fact;
- Expert opinion;
- Quotation;
- Dramatic gesture;
- Rhetorical question;
- Video clip;
- Joke;
- Anecdote;
- Reference to a current event;
- Live demonstration.
- When was the last time you sat down and saw the entire sunset?
- When was the last time you tasted your food?
- When was the last time you called your mother and told her how much you love her?
Your attention grabber should be an answer to the following question: "Why should the audience listen to you?" or "What's in it for them?" This will create a stake for them and you will have them eating from your hand.
Lastly...
I cannot emphasise the importance of practice! Try out the techniques as often as you can. You will find yourself getting increasingly competent. With the extra time at hand, you can then focus on improving the quality of your speech or honing your delivery skills. In no time, you will be on your way to become a highly effective speaker!
Eric Feng won the International Humour Contest at division level last year. He is passionate about public speaking and takes pride in writing articles of value to individuals who are seeking to find their voice in public speaking. You can read more about his articles at www.ericfeng.com.
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