Articles
- Miscellaneous
Preparing and Delivering Your
Speech
It is said that the human brain
springs into action as soon as we are born and continues to
function satisfactorily until such times as we stand to make
our first speech in public !
To most of us the thought of having to stand up and make a speech
has never even crossed our minds. However, sometimes circumstances
require that we do just that - and with a little thought, practice
and patience things may not turn out to be as daunting as at
first they seemed Here are a few tips and observations which
may help you in the planning and presentation of your speech
and, who knows, when it is all over, hopefully you will probably
readily admit that you quite enjoyed it ! Thoughts are often
far worse than reality.
Whether you be Father of the Bride, the Bride, the Bridegroom,
the Best Man or whoever, there is absolutely no reason for you
to feel apprehensive or nervous - you are amongst invited relatives
and friends - you will not be making a public speech. Your audience
are all "on your side" and they understand that you
are not a professional after dinner speaker - nevertheless they
are all anxious to hear what you have to say. However, nothing
should prevent you from being as professional in your content
and delivery as you can - for the better your speech, the more
your audience will enjoy it - and the more attentive will they
be.
Eye contact is very important. - hold your head up high
and look towards your audience whenever you speak. How can you
expect them to pay attention and look at you - if you do not
look at them ?
It is almost impossible to commit a speech entirely to memory
and it is equally difficult to read it. I suggest that you make
yourself some cue cards - about postcard size - and on them
write clearly in large easily readable letters (felt tip pen
recommended) the Main Headings about which you are to speak.
Suggestion: as a short pause now and then is often beneficial,
and, lest you forget, consider introducing a blank card once
or twice into the "pack" to remind you to give yourself,
and your audience, a few seconds break from speaking. Never
under estimate the power of silence !
Always remember you are talking to an audience - not yourself.
The surest way to be a success with your audience and keep their
quiet attention is to speak to them (not the floor !)
slowly, clearly, distinctly and to the point. Don`t begin your
speech until your audience is quiet and you are clear in your
mind what your first words will be. Tip: if, when you stand
to make your speech, people are still talking - don`t panic
- don`t try to quieten them by shouting or talking loudly over
them and certainly not by "Sussssssh-ing". Just stand
up - face them with a fixed look and say absolutely . . . nothing
. Wait patiently and eventually you will find that gradually
a hush will descend - believe me it works !
But let`s assume that you have a Toastmaster with you - surely
a must to ensure the smooth running of the entire Reception
- he will introduce you after having made sure that your audience
is quiet and attentive - once you begin though its down to you
to hold their attention! Tip: If, as is usual, there are gifts
to be distributed at "speech time", it is suggested
that this takes place after the last speech -
rather than during any of them, thereby allowing uninterrupted
speech continuity from first to last. The "giving and receiving"
of gifts between, or during, speeches necessitates personnel
movement which often has a distracting and unsettling effect
on your audience.
Don`t be in a hurry to start your speech. A slow and dignified
rise to your feet inspires confidence. Take time to look at
you audience, establish that important eye contact by looking
cheerful and keep them waiting for just a few moments - say
4 or 5 seconds at most. They are all anxious to hear what you
have to say and a few seconds "hesitation" often sharpens
"anticipation"! A short pause before you speak will
also give you time to settle down, collect your thoughts, size
up those who face you, and help you to speak slowly and clearly
and ... most important ...smile - which in itself will
help both you and your audience to relax.
Above all your speech should never contain
any doubrful material - nor anything that is likely to cause
embarrassment to anyone present - everyone in your listening
audience is entitled to your respect. Unless you are absolutely
certain that a specific remark addressed to a specific person
in your audience will be acceptable to them - don`t even consider
saying it. What may seem funny to you at the time may not seem
funny to the person concerned nor to the remainder of your audience.
I say again - speak slowly. Even a little nervousness
on your part - which is entirely natural - will mean that unconsciously
you will be speaking much quicker than you think - to your audience
your speech will appear to be almost unintelligible - so, slow
down and give yourself time - there`s really no need to hurry
! Your audience will only be interested and attentive if they
can hear and understand you !
Even if you feel entirely confident that you have successfully
committed your entire speech to memory, always remember that
a sudden attack of nerves can immediately distract your attention
at any time. Always have your notes in front of you and don`t
be afraid to let your audience see them. If you do lose your
place, just stand there and remain silent until you have found
where you left off. Keep them waiting a few seconds and then
- calmly carry on as if nothing had happened. Just because you
had lost you place - there`s no need to tell the world about
it !
Plan and rehearse your speech at an early stage - you may at
first feel that "it`s going to be easy " and that
you can do it in " five minutes".- but things are
seldom like that. First impressions are often misleading - so
don`t leave it to the night before or even later ! I would suggest
that at first you write out fully what you have in mind to say..
Then read what you have written, re-read it and then read it
again. By this time hopefully you will clearly see the need
for some alterations, additions or subtractions. When you are
completely satisfied with the content of your speech now is
the time to make up your Cue Cards.... and
It is also time for rehearsal. You can`t really rehearse your
speech on you own - if you do, you are asking yourself to do
two things at the same time - (a) concentrate on what you are
wishing to say and (b) listen to your own delivery.
It is sometimes quite off putting to listen intently to your
own voice - far better to let someone else do that. So ask a
relation or friend(s) to be your audience - preferably someone
who will not be at the Reception and will therefore feel far
more able to give an honestly impartial opinion of your performance
- and that`s just want you want them to do - you are not fishing
for compliments - you are asking for honest opinions and suggestions
for improvement.
Most important, I often hear said "Oh I`ll be OK when I`ve
had a few drinks ! Rubbish! - you won`t . Alcohol will
dehydrate you further and that`s the last thing you want. Granted
you may need a sip or two of liquid refreshment during the course
of your speech - but the most refreshing is yes - water.
Believe me - it`s the truth - so do make very sure you have
a glassful (or better still a jugful) handy before the speeches
start - and more especially if you are last in the line of speakers.
And finally, being a Toastmaster myself, I have heard many speeches
- some good and some not so good - but the one thing that they
have all had in common is that, on the day, they have
all come from the heart - and surely that`s how it should be
! Good luck and above all - enjoy it!
Speeches can be likened to a Lady`s Dress - they should be long
enough to cover the essentials but short enough to be interesting.
(Yes - you can use that !)
Article
written for net-weddings by professional Toastmaster David Hill.
David has been serving London
and the South East as a Toastmaster since 1985 and is a Member
of The Society of London Toastmasters .
(Click
here to e-mail David)
[Click
here to visit David's web site]
