Writing Lessons & Advice: Speeches
I’ve often thought of myself as a better writer than a public speaker, which I’m sure is interesting considering my previous ambitions for teaching. I have a natural tendency to shyness, introversion, and occasional anxiety and/or attention deficiency. If I had to rise to the occasion, I would, but I would just need ample time and preparation first.
I’m definitely not alone and you’re not either if you relate. Studies have shown that around seventy-five percent of people have similar fears and nervousness about public speaking. They may even spend around seventeen and a half hours preparing for a speech. As discomforting such opportunities are for most people, the act and art of public speaking have their places in the academic and professional worlds (The fear hinders promotion to management by 15% for one thing). So here are some key points on producing and providing decent speeches.
Basics
Speech-writing shares a lot of the same basic characteristics of essay-writing. Both entail an introduction, body, and conclusion; both adhere to specific organization, both may require credible research and both serve similar purposes--to inform, entertain, persuade, and so forth.
Since the two are so similar, reading an essay as a speech can be easy and tempting, but it is not advised. Presentation is where the two works differ. An essay is meant to be read, while a speech is meant to be spoken and heard. Some opportunities for speeches may even allow for audience feedback or interaction, making it a stronger medium for clarifying information.
Clarity and emphasis in written information is provided by punctuation, paragraph spacing, formatting, and other elements. Whereas speeches convey clarity and emphasis through elements like body language, vocal tone, delivery, and sometimes even visual aids. Used right and well, the combination of speech elements help keep an audience engaged.
Tips
Effective speeches ultimately converse about the subject more than read it from a page or script. While this isn’t intended to discourage having notes or a manuscript on-hand if needed, instead try using them only at a glance in opposed to fixing on them for the majority of your experience. Here are four things you can do to get to that point:
Simplify. Several statistics confirm how finite audience attention and brain processing can be. A Harvard Business Review notes: “The average adult reads 300 words per minute, but people can only follow speech closely at around 150-160 words per minute. Similarly, studies have shown auditory memory is typically inferior to visual memory, and while most of us can read for hours, our ability to focus on a speech is more constrained...” So content and presentation could be given with such considerations in mind. Be as brief and clear as you are able to be; stick to your key ideas, review them where needed and summarize. Also, keep your word choices and sentence structures simple. Some variety is ok, but not to the point of every line having flowery, big-sounding phrases that aren’t natural to “regular” conversation.
Approach visual aids the same way as well. Incorporate them if necessary or required but anything created should find a reasonably basic medium. Visual aids you make/provide should have some visual appeal and/or support your topic but not overdone to the point of distraction or complication.
Include a personal element if possible. If you have the choice, choose a speech topic based on what sparks you or clicks with you, just like choosing an essay topic to write about. A lot of people find it easy to talk about themselves and their interests, so the experience can be a little bit easier if/when you have (or make) a personal connection to what you’re about to present.
Learn from other speeches. This is comparable to reading to become a better writer. Read, watch, or listen to other famous speeches or speakers with a focus on the “written” and/or speech elements. Consider details like: How is their material organized? What kind of vocabulary and sentence structure is used? What or how is the tone conveyed? What kind of body language is seen? Of course, apply what you can to your own speech writing and delivery.
Take your time in every part of the process (within reason). Supposing most people are awake for twelve to fourteen hours, the statistic of seventeen and a half hours translates to taking between a day to a day and a half getting ready for a speech. Take advantage of whatever prep time you have, especially if you have more or need more than a day or two.
This may seem like a lot but many worries can be laid to rest by regularly reviewing and practicing your material. It's the main way to build experience and rapport with your planned content. Hone your use of speech elements by either recording yourself, practicing in a mirror, or in front of a trusted audience who can provide constructive criticism. If you have a time limit to satisfy, time your run-throughs to ensure they are not too long or too short. Be sure to revise accordingly. If you’ll be managing props or visual aids during your talk, you may need to practice with them as well or make sure you can work them adequately. Proofread your manuscript/notes and text-based visual aids so you or others aren’t distracted by written errors. Even on the day of the event, do your best to keep a level head and resist the urge to rush. If you’ve implemented any or all of the preceding recommendations, your bases are covered!
Public speaking is an act and an art, much like writing. Some may have more outgoing personalities and more confident mentalities that better incline them to doing it regularly or professionally. However, nearly everyone may be faced with a few public speaking engagements throughout their life. So guidance on their successful management is a considerable benefit (it might earn you a promotion!), if not a life skill. Another quote from the Harvard Business Review reiterates the key ingredient: “A speech is not an essay on its hind legs.” While both have very similar legwork, they cannot be treated equally. A speech may be treated like a formal conversation: key points are articulated in an understandable way, you ideally express a part of yourself, and give a lot of time, thought, and effort to the work.
Hopefully this lesson and the source material give you a fresh approach to public speaking!
If there's a topic you want me to cover in the future, you're welcome to reach out to me on the web chat feature or socials!
Sources/Further reading
Essays vs. Speeches
More statistics: https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/public-speaking-statistics
How-to for Speeches
