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WORD FOR THE DAY "speech" (n.) 1. th faculty or power of speaking; oral communication; 2. the act of speaking; 3. something that is spoken; 4. a form of communication in spoken language, made by a speakere before an audience for a given purpose; 5. a single utterance of an actor in the course of a play." (dictionary.com)

Six Ways to Improve Your Next Speech

“Pass this jobs bill.” The repetition of that sentence eight times within President Obama’s address to the joint sessions of Congress last evening (Thursday, September 8th) was meant to punctuate a call to action and reinforce the topic of the speech. Jon Favreau, the President’s speechwriter, knows his craft well, and the President knows how to deliver. When you give your next presentation, will your audience think "mush mouth," or "great speech"? Here are six ways to improve your own speech or presentation.

1. Know your audience. Humorist writer Garrison Keillor knows how to use the residents of central Minnesota as the source of his humorous tales of Everyman (and Everywoman). Many believe he incorporates Norwegian Lutherans into his tales to broaden his audience and deflect some of the sting of his observations on the small-town behavior of the large German Catholic community. Your audience will help you decide on the topic, style and tone of your presentation. Remember: If you’re not comfortable or practiced with humor, don’t attempt it.

2. Find a provocative grabber sentence and/or approach. This could be a challenging statement, question, quote, or large gesture. It is important that it engages your audience, pulling them into your enthusiasm for the subject and piquing their curiosity about what’s coming next. Note that the President and his writer could have chosen to begin the speech with this sentence, used after a paragraph of introductory, expository copy, “We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.”

3. Memorize every word of your introduction and conclusion. The intro is an important stage setter. The conclusion leaves the audience with a final impression. Freeing yourself of the script will allow you to make good use of eye contact and effectively reduce the distance between you and your listeners. Your words will carry more sincerity and authenticity and thus, be more effective.

4. Write the text with the knowledge that it is to be spoken. Simple words and shorter sentences will help you avoid tongue twisters and verbal trip-ups. Often, a word ending in a consonant flows more readily into a word beginning with a vowel and vice versa. (Note: You’ll encounter these as you write, so, no need to attempt to prepare for them beforehand. Example: “to attempt to.” Try that phrase out loud.) Vary the length of your sentences to add interest via the rhythm of your speech. Use alliteration, and don’t be afraid to insert a little rhyme (with stress on “little.”) Create an interesting flow to your words by changing up sentence lengths. Repeat certain words, phrases, or sentences for further impact.

5. Know your subject matter. Vague statements have weak impact.  Since your goal is to share something of substance, you must do your homework to deliver on that audience expectation. President Obama has a staff of researchers and data miners to assist him. Of course, you don’t. So, find at least two major works as your main resources, with additional, smaller supporting pieces of information rounding out your bibliography. If you’re using a PowerPoint screen, resist the urge to read from it. Use it only to reiterate major points or to give detailed information that is too difficult to outline via speech alone.

6. Practice. Practice. Practice your speech out loud. Pitch up the endings of your sentences so their points won’t be lost in a mumble. Vary the volume for dramatic emphasis. Be energized. Remember: The more your practice your speech, the more comfortable with it you will be. Don’t put your audience into the position of suffering with you, or for you, or because of you due to an ill-prepared presentation.

Thus, many of us don’t have prestigious speechwriters like Jon Favreau to craft our words, nor do our persuasions carry the fate (or weight) of the American economy, as does President Obama’s. However, if our words ARE WORTH SAYING and REPEATING, then, they’re worth improving through speech writing and presentation techniques, or possibly, through the use of a professional writer. Mush mouth or great speech? It's your choice.

© mary macdonell belisle ­– writerforhire

RELATED STORIES AND POSTS, regarding content of the Obama speech:

“The Nation: Obama’s Speech Changes Conversation,” Ari Berman, Minnesota Public Radio, September 10, 2011

http://www.npr.org/2011/09/09/140330533/the-nation-obamas-speech-changes-conversation

“Obama Urges Congress: ‘Pass this jobs plan right away”

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/129443258.html