The sixth deadly public
speaking sin -- a weak close
Sometimes a speaker doesn't know how to tie up the loose ends, or how to
design a powerful conclusion. Your concluding remarks are the most memorable
part of your speech. To prove the validity of this point, ask yourself if you
would rather have the first word in an argument or the last.
If a weak close is a
sin, where is the redemption?
- What idea do you want the audience
to leave with? That's the finish, put it last.
- Make your last word your best - your
last expression creates a lasting impression.
- Write the conclusion first.
- Don't thank the audience - they
should thank you.
The seventh deadly public
speaking sin -- failing to write the speech script
Most professionals and executives are over committed and overwhelmed. They
have so many responsibilities and so little time. The smarter a speaker is, the
higher the likelihood he or she will try to work from weak notes, improvise,
and fake it. The consequences of failing to write a quality speech script: The
speaker talks too long on one thing and not long enough on another; key points
are omitted; the speaker loses track of the time and the point, gets lost and
repeats himself or herself. In the end, although the speaker may be remembered,
their speech will be forgotten.
If failing to
write the speech script is a sin, where is the redemption?
1. Write down everything you can think of that deals with your topic for 20
minutes. Then, put it away.
2. Review these ideas a day or two later. Add to the list.
3. What's the main point (theme) you want to make?
4. Write your theme sentence on the top of a blank sheet of paper. What ideas
from 1 and 2 above relate? Copy these under your theme sentence.
5. What point belongs first? Second? Speech Writer's Rule: Open your speech
with the second most important point and close with the most powerful point.
6. Write down examples, evidence and reasoned argument that support each point
of the speech. Speech Writer's Rule: No more than three powerful points. All
examples should support these points.
7. Write out your speech script from these notes. Speech Writer's Rule: Write
the conclusion first.
8. Talk your speech into a tape recorder. Play it back.
9. While listening to your recording, write in any needed changes in your
script.
10. Practice three to seven times in front of the mirror. Give it everything
you've got.
11. Make any needed changes. Repeat steps 10 and 11 as needed.
There is probably no
other skill that will elevate your effectiveness and leadership as much as
being able to present yourself, your organization and your ideas with
confidence, clarity and credibility. Hell may have been other people for Jean
Paul Sartre. Save your audience from a similar fate. If your next speech poses
problems, why not let a professional speech writer help you make a lasting
impression?
Suzen Fromstein
can be reached at: E-mail:[email protected] Telephone:
(905) 738-1858 or toll free 1-877-842-6663 (Continental USA and
Canada).
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