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Elements Of An Effective Speech by Lenny Laskowski
(c) 1997 LJL Seminars
"Half the world is composed of people who have something
to say and can't; the other half have nothing to say and
keep saying it."
Anyone can give a speech. Not everyone can give an
effective speech. To give an effective speech there are
6 elements you should consider.
Be Prepared - Being prepared is by far the most
important element. How many times do you practice your
speech? As a general rule, you should spend about 30
hours of preparation and rehearsal time for every hour
your will be speaking. Use a tape recorder or videotape
yourself. This will help you to get an accurate picture
of how you speak.
Give of Yourself - Use personal examples and stories in
your speech whenever possible. Make sure your stories
help to emphasize or support your point. The stories
must match your message. Use examples from your personal
and professional life to make your point. In either case
be willing to give of yourself by sharing some of
yourself with the audience.
Stay Relaxed - To stay relaxed you should be prepared.
Also, focus on your message and not the audience. Use
gestures, including walking patterns. Practice the
opening of your speech and plan exactly how you will say
it. The audience will judge you in the first 30 seconds
they see you.
Use Natural Humor - Don't try to be a stand up comedian.
Use natural humor by poking fun at yourself and
something you said or did. Be sure NOT to make fun of
anyone in the audience. People will laugh with you when
you poke fun at yourself but don't over do it.
Plan Your Body & Hand Positions - During the practice of
your speech look for occasions where you can use a
gesture. Establish three positions where you will stand
and practice not only how to move to them but where in
your speech do you move. Pick one position on center
stage, one to your right, and one to your left. Do not
hide behond the lectern. When you do move maintain eye
contact with the audience.
Pay attention to all details - Make sure you have the
right location (school, hotel, room & time). Make sure
you know how to get to where you are speaking. Ask how
large an audience you will be speaking to. Make sure you
bring all your visual aids and plenty of handouts.
Arrive early so you can check out where you will be
speaking and make any last minute adjustments.
It is very important that you pay attention to even the
smallest details. You can never overplan. Remember, "He
who fails to plan is planning for failure"
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- Lenny Laskowski
- Lenny Laskowski is an international professional speaker and the author
of the book, No Sweat Presentations - The Painless Way to Successful Speaking and several
other publications. Lenny is also available for hire to speak to your organization,
college or association. Lenny also provides in-house seminars and workshops. Why not
contact Lenny today for your next function or event. Lenny can be found at his Web site, http://www.ljlseminars.com/ or can be contacted by
email at the following address: Sales@LJLSeminars.com.
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