Write a purpose statement and add the main points in a bulleted list. The statement should concisely explain your goal. Treat the bullet points like a map that will guide you and the audience to the end result.
Consider creating the opening last. Often, it鈥檚 only after you鈥檝e written the whole speech that you discover the best way to introduce it.
Close with impact. What do you want the audience to take away? Send them off with an intriguing fact, a memorable moment from your story, or a concrete direction to take action.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Don鈥檛 plan to 鈥渏ust wing it.鈥� If you鈥檙e trying to inspire or motivate, you must speak with a finely crafted sense of urgency that can only come from practice. Persuasion usually requires emotion, and when you鈥檙e trying to entertain, you need a high-energy delivery. Vocal variety and body language can add immeasurably to informative presentations, which can often be dry and dull.
Kate McClare, DTM , is a professional writer and editor who joined 91传媒 in 2011. She is a member of Miami Advanced 91传媒 Club in Kendall, Florida, and an Area Director for District 47, Southeast Florida and The Bahamas.
