I come to the world of public speaking from a different perspective than most. I have a graduate degree in Theater. I have had many occasions to speak in public and have relied on what theatrical people refer to as “method” acting. The relevant point is that the reason for speaking must be real. I cannot pretend to give a speech. I cannot expect members of the audience to behave as if listening to me is a worthwhile way to spend their time unless it really is. As a speaker, I have to believe four things.
I Have a Reason to Speak
If I do not have a reason to speak, how can anyone have a reason to listen? Perhaps I want to provide information. Then everything I do and say should reflect that. I have to fill my speech with pertinent facts and, if appropriate, analysis. I must create an outline that lets me work through the information in a logical, reasonable way. I might provide examples. Everything should focuse on what I am trying to accomplish because that is reason I am giving a particular speech.
What I Am Saying is Important and Meaningful
If I do not believe that what I am talking about is worth hearing about, who will want to pay attention? I need to focus on the information and create a speech that makes it meaningful and relevant. I look for a rationale that explains why I should care about the subject. If I do not care about the subject, why should anyone else? The more I care about the topic, the more likely it will be that the audience will, too.
The Audience Respects Me
I have no business passing myself off as an expert in a field unless I really am. If I have confidence and respect myself as a professional, the audience will follow my lead. This does not mean I have to brag or list every single thing I have ever accomplished in my life on a program bio. It means I recognize I have worked to achieve a measure of success in my chosen field. If I believe I have earned their respect, it will show in the way I present myself to them. That aura of self-assurance helps an audience feel at ease which makes it easier for me to do what I need to do.
The Audience is Interested in the Topic
While Rosey Grier, who played defensive end and tackle as a professional football player, may have done needlepoint, it is a good bet giving a speech on the finer points of needlepoint will not get much of a reception if the audience is full of football players. That means I need to understand my audience. Who are the people I will be speaking before? What can I learn about them in order to make sure I address their needs? If I am assigned the job of explaining needlepoint to a room full of football players, then it is imperative I find a way to present that information in a way that makes sense. For instance, I might explain that if they want to give a gift of needlepoint, this information will help them make a better selection.
There are many aspects to speaking. This is just one of the many components that contribute to the creation of a successful speech.
Mary Jo Roberts teaches online at College City when she is not teaching, she is giving motivational speeches.
