How to Structure a Speech
- Date: 2007-06-26 - Word Count: 631
Share This!
Why do some speeches and presentations linger in the mind while others pass from one ear, through the brain and then out through the other ear, generally without leaving a trace of … anything?
Well, there are many reasons, but I'd always begin the detective work with the structure.
Over the years I have tried several different speech formats, a number of which I have found effective and I will describe some of the more advanced possibilities in subsequent articles.
However, without a structure, the speech is doomed to become a shambolic ramble of random thoughts.
Have you ever watched the news on TV? Well, of course you have. But have you ever taken time out to observe the structure? It's really simple and effective.
It starts off with three news headlines:
1) The Bank of England announced interest rates will rise by a ¼ point
2) A large manufacturer in the Midlands has shed 400 people because of falling demand
3) David Beckham is back in the England team following a year in the footballing wilderness
These headlines essentially signpost what is to come. Why do they do this? Well, if you have a mortgage, another interest rate rise could cost you more money than you had budgeted for. Or if you work in the manufacturing industry, what happens in the Midlands usually has an impact on other aspects of industry. Or finally, anything about David Beckham and football is newsworthy…
The idea of the headlines is to give you a taster of what is to come. TV networks are searching for viewer ratings because most of their revenues come through the sponsorship of corporate advertisers. They are trying to hook you because they want you to stay and watch.
And surely, should we not be doing this with the introduction of a speech or presentation? Of course, we want to grab their attention. We tell them what is to come and whet their appetites. It's designed to keep them listening.
When the headlines end, in comes the main body of the news which builds on the headlines.
It tells us that the Bank of England meeting lasted an hour longer than scheduled because further analytical information was required with regards to interest rate trends in Europe. The British rate trend was discussed with the last two years data described by graphs and so on. The theme is expanded to cover the day's potential angles and then moves on to job losses in the Midlands. If the presenter is quick on his/her thoughts, they will somehow try to link the first story with the second.
Now we hear about the details of the company and its history of achievement. The decision to axe jobs will have a major impact on other aspects of the local economy. And so the story unfolds with interviews of managers and workers alike. This personalisation of the news has increased viewer ratings because a lot of the comment is from regular people in the street. People like you and me.
So they work their way through the three stories and usually try to end on a high. People like to be informed and entertained and lots of news channels will include a human interest story where for example, a young child demonstrates great character by overcoming a medical or physical problem.
And finally, the news is coming to an end and the presenters recap the main points which unremarkably are the same points as the headlines. But now that the item has been examined there is room for further comment.
We know this as Winston Churchill's, tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em - tell em - tell 'em what you've told 'em.
With good linking and interesting development of the main themes, anybody can achieve a successful speech structure. Next time you plan a speech or presentation, why don't you give this advice a try?
Well, there are many reasons, but I'd always begin the detective work with the structure.
Over the years I have tried several different speech formats, a number of which I have found effective and I will describe some of the more advanced possibilities in subsequent articles.
However, without a structure, the speech is doomed to become a shambolic ramble of random thoughts.
Have you ever watched the news on TV? Well, of course you have. But have you ever taken time out to observe the structure? It's really simple and effective.
It starts off with three news headlines:
1) The Bank of England announced interest rates will rise by a ¼ point
2) A large manufacturer in the Midlands has shed 400 people because of falling demand
3) David Beckham is back in the England team following a year in the footballing wilderness
These headlines essentially signpost what is to come. Why do they do this? Well, if you have a mortgage, another interest rate rise could cost you more money than you had budgeted for. Or if you work in the manufacturing industry, what happens in the Midlands usually has an impact on other aspects of industry. Or finally, anything about David Beckham and football is newsworthy…
The idea of the headlines is to give you a taster of what is to come. TV networks are searching for viewer ratings because most of their revenues come through the sponsorship of corporate advertisers. They are trying to hook you because they want you to stay and watch.
And surely, should we not be doing this with the introduction of a speech or presentation? Of course, we want to grab their attention. We tell them what is to come and whet their appetites. It's designed to keep them listening.
When the headlines end, in comes the main body of the news which builds on the headlines.
It tells us that the Bank of England meeting lasted an hour longer than scheduled because further analytical information was required with regards to interest rate trends in Europe. The British rate trend was discussed with the last two years data described by graphs and so on. The theme is expanded to cover the day's potential angles and then moves on to job losses in the Midlands. If the presenter is quick on his/her thoughts, they will somehow try to link the first story with the second.
Now we hear about the details of the company and its history of achievement. The decision to axe jobs will have a major impact on other aspects of the local economy. And so the story unfolds with interviews of managers and workers alike. This personalisation of the news has increased viewer ratings because a lot of the comment is from regular people in the street. People like you and me.
So they work their way through the three stories and usually try to end on a high. People like to be informed and entertained and lots of news channels will include a human interest story where for example, a young child demonstrates great character by overcoming a medical or physical problem.
And finally, the news is coming to an end and the presenters recap the main points which unremarkably are the same points as the headlines. But now that the item has been examined there is room for further comment.
We know this as Winston Churchill's, tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em - tell em - tell 'em what you've told 'em.
With good linking and interesting development of the main themes, anybody can achieve a successful speech structure. Next time you plan a speech or presentation, why don't you give this advice a try?
Related Tags: public speaking, effective communication skills, tonal variety, mehrebian, voice development, grabbing the audience, college of public speaking, vince stevenson
The College of Public Speaking assists the Corporate, Public and Voluntary Sectors improve their communication skills. Utilising the trusted research of US Educational Psychologist Albert Mehrebian, we use cutting edge business scenarios to develop speakers capable of performing on the international stage. Call us re Exceutive Speech Coaching, Train the Trainer, Ethical Sales Training or visit us at => http://www.collegeofpublicspeaking.co.uk Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Article
Here are 10 mistakes that writers tend to make when writing articles for newsletters or magazines. K - Invigorate Your Healthcare Writing With Words That Are Short, Sweet, And Full of Energy
There are certain kinds of phrasing and word choice, especially in official statements, that can soa - The Case For Customizing Content
You have to consider every angle when you are writing. There are lots of rules to follow and tips to - Writing Strategies For Creating Viral Content
For anybody involved in content marketing the need to develop writing strategies that will produce t - Three Key Ways a Writing Coach Can Improve Your College Admission Essay
In an article entitled "Writing The Essay: Sound Advice from an Expert", Parke Muth, Senior Assistan - Acquiring A Fantastic Proxy - Proxy List
A proxy or proxy server is applied for both effortless obtain to your certain useful resource like a - Turnkey Sites & Website Templates - A Comparison
I'm constantly finding emails soon after a person buys a offer of Site Desing templates. Some men an - Standard Manual For Laptop Or Computer Elements & Software
For many people today, computer system sections plus the innards of the computer system are anything - Different Kinds Of Cameras Can Be Used For Webcams
There are many physical components that make the technology of the PC camera webcam work. The import - What Can Pc Camera Webcam Bring To Us And How It Works?
The PC camera webcam can be used in a wide range of aspects. Such as personal "Big Brother" style di
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Don't Put Off Writing that Book!
If writing that book you've always had in mind tops your list of resolutions or regrets, hiring a wr - How To Write A Better Press Release
A press release is the most effective way to generate free publicity for your business or organizati - Writing on the Hoof
Finding inspiration when you are writing is often a haphazard affair. When you are physically ready - Focus On Nigeria
Focus on Nigeria Nigеria is a natural gas and oil rich country that is bordеrеd b - How to Write Great Dialogue in Your Book
Dialogue isn't so much read as it is heard by the reader. The eyes see the words on the page, the b - Women SUV Driver from www.thefrap.com
Why do so many women drive around in the oversized SUV's, the Tahoe, Excursion, Escalade - How To Write Good Articles
As a writer you may be ready to cash in on the need for web content. There is a lot of money that c - NEWS FLASH: Technical Communicator Saves World
I had a boss several years ago who was amused by my earnest and relentless preaching about the impor - Writers Resources
Writers use certain inherent talents to come up with their pieces of writing. However, they do need - Popular Articles
Articles are those that are available in plenty these days in the internet. The articles are written