Preparing for public speaking

Let’s look at the different parts of your speech in detail.

Introduction comes first, but is often prepared last. It needs to get the attention of the audience, motivate them to listen to you and perhaps take some action. In the introduction you also need to explain and clarify the subject by preparing the audience for the main ideas of your speech. It creates rapport with your audience, shows your credentials and gives necessary background. You may include in your introduction an illustration or example clarifying your topic, you may start with a question to arouse curiosity, or use a handy quotation. If you do not know how to start, imagine talking to your friend about the topic. How would you begin? Do not make the introduction too long, it should be only about 10 to 15% of your whole speech.

The main body of your speech is best organized into three parts, no matter what type of speech it is. If you are describing something, give three examples. If you are presenting solutions, limit your speech to three. If you are persuading someone to do something, choose three arguments and at least one counter-argument.

Remember to use proper transitions throughout your speech, to lead your audience from one idea to another, for example:

Now, that I have presented my first argument, let me discuss the second.

That brings us to the final stage.

It is easier to include transitions, if you organize your speech around a specific number of issues. You state that number in the introduction and then logically present one idea after another.

The conclusion of your speech cannot be its weakest part. You need to summarize the main ideas and re-motivate the audience to the importance of the ideas presented. You also need to leave the audience with the sense of finality or closure. Sometimes you will also want to give the audience the chance to ask questions referring to your presentation. Again, you may use a quotation, but also, you can ask the audience to do something or ask them for help. Beware of sudden or artificial conclusions that have no apparent connection to the preceding speech. Conclusion should take approximately 10–15% of your speech.

(Text adapted from the book: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, Szczuka-Dorna L., Vendome E., Poznan University of Technology, 2017.)