6 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD SPEECHES

“The only reason to give a speech is to change the world," said American President John F. Kennedy. His inaugural speech from 1961 is considered one of the best public speeches in modern history, and generations will remember the famous line: "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country ." In this text, I bring you the ingredients and recipe for a successful public speech.

Recipe for successful public speaking

As much as it may seem to us that the best speakers deliver with ease, we often don't realize how much work and preparation goes into making great speeches. Kennedy began preparing his 14-minute inaugural address almost 3 months before the inauguration, according to the US National Archives.

His quote at the beginning of this text encourages speakers to strive to make a difference with their words. Kennedy's words were extremely powerful, and the difference this statesman made during his term cost him his life: he was assassinated in 1963.

Public speaking, at its core, is a tool for positive change and influence. I always tell my public speaking training participants that the prerequisite for giving a public speech is to have something to say! More specifically, something that will be of interest and importance to the audience. I know, it sounds like a given. But why do we so often see boring speeches at business meetings, conferences or press conferences, meetings, weddings, or Christmas parties?

Why do some people sometimes speak solely to perform and be heard? What a mistake! Self-indulgent speeches, which mostly boil down to greetings and a few general platitudes - are meaningless and boring.

You shouldn't speak just because you (or someone else) thinks you should. I'm sure you've been the "victim" of a meaningless speech as part of an audience at least once.

It is precisely for such cases that in this text we will discuss the characteristics of good speeches. I believe that it will make it easier for you to prepare your next speech.

the characteristics of a good speech

#1 PURPOSE

A speech must have a purpose, and as a speaker you need to define the goal you want to achieve with your speech. That goal cannot be “I'm just talking to say something.” Think about this: What do you want your audience to KNOW, FEEL, and DO after your speech?

#2 MESSAGE

Determine the main message of your speech. Refine it to a crystal clear and understandable form. It should be simple, powerful, memorable and can be said in 10 words. The rest of the speech and other messages serve to support the main message.

#3 STORY

A good real-life story connects you with your audience. The audience must first trust the authority of the speaker in order to believe what they are saying. Tell your story and use it to interest, inspire, or at least make people laugh. A real-life story can serve as a great transition to the larger topic, problem, or solution you are talking about.

#4 DATA

Are there any statistics or studies that support your claims? Use some of these numbers, amounts, quantities, or data. They can serve as a powerful argument. Numbers convey concreteness, and they give the impression that the speaker is prepared and concrete, or that he or she is dealing with facts. The same goes for memorable quotes from famous people. Legendary engineer W. Edwards Deming once said, “Without data, you are just another person with an opinion.” Without access to data, people make decisions based on instinct, guesswork, or prevailing theories. People are at risk of acting on prejudice or false assumptions.

#5 HUMOR

Does the speech contain a little humor? There are few topics so serious that they don't allow for at least one joke. Even at your own expense. When you use humor in your speech (especially at your own expense), you show your human, vulnerable side. You also show that you are confident enough to laugh and that you don't take yourself too seriously. Humor can lighten a difficult topic or situation, calm your nerves, and capture the attention of your audience.

#6 PERFORMANCE

The quality of your performance directly determines how much of your speech your audience will remember. It’s not just WHAT you say that matters, but HOW you say it. Be authentic and don’t pretend to be someone else during your speech, but adjust your pace, intensity, tone of voice, and body language to the goal you want to achieve. Say everything you’re going to say out loud, and practice that speech 10 times before you give it. Yes, you read that right. I often tell my clients that one of the most common misconceptions is to think that you’ll be great at a speech because you’ve practiced it once or never.

Speech is a two-way street.

And don't forget – speaking is a two-way street. In addition to everything I've mentioned, your speech must touch the core of your audience's interests, needs, and feelings. Only then will you create a connection with people that will capture their attention. When preparing your next speech, try to make that leap in quality. If this text helps you with that, I'll be glad. Good luck!