Speechwriters the world over have been talking about the movie The King's Speech and its insights into the relationship between a high-profile speaker and the one person who was able to help him overcome a stutter.
According to the film, speech therapist Lionel Logue went to great lengths to support King George VI. Before important broadcasts, he created a "cosy" setting, opened the windows, and performed like a maestro, conducting his royal client through the script.
Chances are you don't need the same assistance to speak. However, you can add value to the experience for your audience that goes far beyond the words you use.
Follow these five bits of advice to succeed on the podium:
1. Get a good sense of the lay of the land
Whenever possible, speak with the event organizer to get a clear understanding of what is expected of you. Find out how long you are supposed to talk as well as the time allotted for other activities such as the introduction and Q&A session. Ask who else is going to speak, in what order and for how long. That way you can avoid surprises.
2. Knock down the barriers between yourself and the audience
Build a profile of the audience and use the information to choose language, imagery and examples that will help you connect with listeners. Also, ask yourself: what do these people need to hear to get behind the my ideas? Then make sure the answers to that question end up in the speech.
3. Prepare a script that's easy to read
Set up the speech so that each sentence is its own paragraph. It's too easy to get lost in a sea of words when the text is set up in dense clumps. To help you hold your head high, use only the top half of each page. And always read the speech a last time from the copy you're going to use on stage.
4. Leave time to pause
Speakers and listeners both benefit from pauses. The speaker can use a pause to gauge the interest level of the audience. Listeners enjoy them too, as they provide a break and a chance to reflect on what is being said. Pauses can also heighten the drama of a speech. Write in a pause after a question, or, to add to the intrigue, just before you say something really important.
5. Understand that the last reason to include humour in a speech is to be funny
Most speakers aren't skilled enough at handling humour to get the audience rolling in the aisles. Nor should they try. That's what comedians work hard to do, with varying degrees of success. Audiences are more than happy with the kind of humour that elicits a smile or a few chuckles. Quips, one liners and personal anecdotes all hold the potential to warm up the atmosphere, allow you, the speaker, to express some personality and give the audience a chance respond through smiles, laughter or even applause.
When people want to excel through the spoken word, they call on Wendy Cherwinski. She writes speeches and designs presentations and coaches both speakers and writers. She also leads workshops and webinars to teach others how to write speeches and presentations. Learn more about her upcoming events and services at http://www.echeloncomm.ca
By Wendy Cherwinski
According to the film, speech therapist Lionel Logue went to great lengths to support King George VI. Before important broadcasts, he created a "cosy" setting, opened the windows, and performed like a maestro, conducting his royal client through the script.
Chances are you don't need the same assistance to speak. However, you can add value to the experience for your audience that goes far beyond the words you use.
Follow these five bits of advice to succeed on the podium:
1. Get a good sense of the lay of the land
Whenever possible, speak with the event organizer to get a clear understanding of what is expected of you. Find out how long you are supposed to talk as well as the time allotted for other activities such as the introduction and Q&A session. Ask who else is going to speak, in what order and for how long. That way you can avoid surprises.
2. Knock down the barriers between yourself and the audience
Build a profile of the audience and use the information to choose language, imagery and examples that will help you connect with listeners. Also, ask yourself: what do these people need to hear to get behind the my ideas? Then make sure the answers to that question end up in the speech.
3. Prepare a script that's easy to read
Set up the speech so that each sentence is its own paragraph. It's too easy to get lost in a sea of words when the text is set up in dense clumps. To help you hold your head high, use only the top half of each page. And always read the speech a last time from the copy you're going to use on stage.
4. Leave time to pause
Speakers and listeners both benefit from pauses. The speaker can use a pause to gauge the interest level of the audience. Listeners enjoy them too, as they provide a break and a chance to reflect on what is being said. Pauses can also heighten the drama of a speech. Write in a pause after a question, or, to add to the intrigue, just before you say something really important.
5. Understand that the last reason to include humour in a speech is to be funny
Most speakers aren't skilled enough at handling humour to get the audience rolling in the aisles. Nor should they try. That's what comedians work hard to do, with varying degrees of success. Audiences are more than happy with the kind of humour that elicits a smile or a few chuckles. Quips, one liners and personal anecdotes all hold the potential to warm up the atmosphere, allow you, the speaker, to express some personality and give the audience a chance respond through smiles, laughter or even applause.
When people want to excel through the spoken word, they call on Wendy Cherwinski. She writes speeches and designs presentations and coaches both speakers and writers. She also leads workshops and webinars to teach others how to write speeches and presentations. Learn more about her upcoming events and services at http://www.echeloncomm.ca
By Wendy Cherwinski
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