how to do a speech about yourself

How Can I Write A Speech About Myself: 7 Tips

Table of contents

• 1.1 “Speech about me” plan example:
• 2 Common Mistakes You Must Avoid At All Cost
• 3 How To Make Your Autobiographical Speech Excellent?
• 4 Example Of A Speech

Why do you need to compose an autobiographical speech outline, and what is it at all? Its concept is to demonstrate one’s personality to achieve a specific goal. Make a competent self-presentation about yourself. You can achieve significant success in life because a person who understands how to present himself in a favourable light can always find a good job, maintain friendly relations with others, and influence people to achieve any goals.

How does one prepare an autobiographical speech and correctly present it? In this case, every detail is important. Our speech writing services have created detailed guidelines for you! Want to know how to write a speech about yourself? Well, we can help you with that as well, and the answers you seek are below.

7 Main Tips To Create A Persuasive Speech About Yourself

While writing a speech about you does not appear to be such a complicated task, there are a number of possible issues that you can face, which is why being aware of some efficient writing tips is not a bad idea! Therefore, if you are not sure how to write a speech of this kind, read the tips below and with their help, you will be able to create a perfect speech regardless of a lack of experience or a tight deadline! However, if you feel that you might have difficulties with writing your speech, you can always speech writing service at PapersOwl.

1. Gather information

Find out the most about where to whom and in which circumstances it will be necessary to present an informative speech, everything is important:

• the time of the performance and its timing;
• the place: the meeting room or the hall, the presence of a microphone;
• who is the audience: the number of listeners and speakers.

2. Make a plan

It is important to plan your paper. First, make it easier for you to track the time of the performance, and secondly, it helps you set priorities. Also, when making a plan, move from bigger points to smaller ones. The points should not be too long.

“Speech about me” plan example:

Introduction: The introduction should be short and simple. Start with the greeting and present yourself. State your name and surname, faculty, specialty, and course (if in a university). Add a hook to make it interesting. To make it flawless, look for good self-intro speech ideas.

Basic information part (the most informative part):

• Participation in academic events, contests, and competitions (indicate only those events or works that are relevant to the persuasive speech topics );
• Internships, work experience (indicate the type of work; indicate the place of work and position);
• Participation in public events (social activities within the university, not counting studies);
• Additional education (courses, certificates, training).

Additional information part:

• Knowledge of foreign languages (specify language and level of knowledge);
• Computer skills (list of computer programs that you work with);

Conclusion. Typically about plans for the future and ambitions:

• Continuing education (outline what kind of education you plan to receive after finishing college);
• Employment (you can specify the type and scope of activities in which you would like to work or the name of the positions that you are interested in).

It is important to write my speech well. However, it is only one small step in the whole process, after which you should spend enough time proofreading and editing it, making it as good as possible. Writing a persuasive speech should not take much effort. Make adjustments by reading the text again and again. Ask a friend to read your text or listen. It’s important to have an independent opinion, and maybe he or she will bring some new speech ideas, and you will know how to write a persuasive speech .

4. Keep in mind the details

If you do not know how to give a speech about other person or yourself, and it will be your first experience, you should pay attention to details. Wear clothes should fit the format and be comfortable. This will always make a good impression on the audience, your appearance will conclude a general impression of you, and this is why your appearance should be nice and appropriate. Keep this in mind.

Before the beginning of the speech, outline yourself, pause – pull out the papers, smile, and straighten the microphone. This will set the audience to a dialogue, and you will be given the opportunity to prepare and assess listeners psychologically.

Watch gestures. Sometimes, they speak louder than words. Hands are your helpers, so do not grip them behind your back and do not put them in your pockets, a crossed arm on the chest is evidence of a defensive position or lack of confidence. However, to freeze, like a monument, is also bad as it’s unnatural, so ensure that your movements during the performance are light and accurate, slightly subtle and unobtrusive.

6. Practice

Believe it or not, even public speakers can be nervous before public connection or speaking, but for newcomers. They are distinguished by the fact that they know how to cope with the excitement. The simplest thing you can do is to work through the speech, first read it to yourself, then read it aloud several times in front of a mirror.

7.  Learn by heart

Be sure to ask your family, friends, or colleagues to listen to you. This is an excellent opportunity to practice and learn an engaging monologue with a nice tone that doesn’t sound like you are reading a piece of paper. It is very important to learn speech by heart to make your performance great and look confident when you speak in public.

If you feel lost while writing a speech about yourself, you can always hire an essay writer to help you create a compelling narrative. It is important to remember that you should be honest and confident when writing a speech about yourself. An experienced essay writer can help you create an outline and structure the speech according to your desired goals.

Common Mistakes You Must Avoid At All Cost

Your speech is a similar thing to communication skills in public speaking. Hence, we can see that the same tips should be used, and the same mistakes must be avoided. You may need this for professional connections or even for your best friend. If you are delivering this speech live, make sure to keep eye contact all the time. One of the main points here is to make sure you know what you are doing, and for that, you have to read the basics from above. They can help you more than you can imagine. Anyway, here are the mistakes you have to avoid.

• Not tailoring the speech for your audience An important piece of information here is that you need to tailor the speech for your audience. Is this for your family members or something else? The goal is to optimize your speech for the people who will hear it. Try to understand them more and realize what they need and what they want to hear, and then focus on that from the start. If you are writing about personal development, it is possible that a teacher will read it. Try to put an accent on education and similar elements.
• Using too much data Maybe you are writing about time attending apps, or you think that a rough draft is boring, so you add a lot of data to it. The mistake here is obvious. If you add tons of data to the speech, you will make it boring, and you will end up with a low grade. The goal is to make a speech interesting and not boring.
• Presenting a not inspiring speech The tone for the rest should be slow and casual. But, at the same time, it must be inspiring. One of the main points here is that if your speech can inspire, you are looking at a much better result. Yes, you can use body language here as well. That will make all things even better if you can use it.
• Not making a pause You need to use a research source and also use pauses. These can make a massive difference. They have been known for helping people understand speech better and easier. At the same time, they make the speech sound better and more professional. If you have to read it in front of a class (writing speech for a class), make sure you use pauses.

How To Make Your Autobiographical Speech Excellent?

It is impossible to write a speech about yourself and make it 100% perfect, but who needs it to be perfect? During the performance, anything can happen: the microphone will break, someone will sneeze loudly, or perhaps the lights will go out. Whatever happens, keep yourself calm and appear confused, react with humor and try to somehow beat the situation, so, you show that you completely control what is happening. At the end of the performance, be grateful to the listeners. If you still have any questions about how to write a letter about yourself, just sit and start to write it.

Keep in mind that this self-presentation does not end only in your performance. You present yourself further, answering any questions from teachers or people from the audience, so it is important to be ready for it.

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Example Of A Speech

The content of your speech must be detailed, simple, and straightforward. For this purpose, you need to know a few things. It must have a simple intro, an idea about your future plans, and something from your past. Once you have all of these, audience members and business partners will be impressed. Keep in mind that this is not as simple as it may sound. Hence, we will want to help you even more by providing an example of the speech. The example here will give you an excellent idea of what you should write and how to make the writing process simple but effective.

This is a short speech, but you get an idea of what is needed to include in these creations and what you need to make sure your speech contains. A good idea is not to go with a lot of details and use long sentences and complicated words. Your audience may get bored or may want you to speed things up. It is always a good idea to practice as well and try to create a speech that is ideal for you and can help you get the desired effect.

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Self Introduction Speech – How To Write With Examples

First impressions are very important. Whether it is at school, work, or organization, your introduction is an audience’s first real chance to know you. It will have a huge impact on how they perceive you.

But the good news is: You get to control that narrative.

The key to a good self-introduction speech is balance. You want to present your accomplishments but without coming off as bragging. Typically, this type of speech is known as an “icebreaker” as it aims to break the ice and let others know you. This is your chance to establish good credibility.

Fear not! We will help you craft the best introduction speech with our outline, tips, as well as self-introduction speech samples.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Self-introduction Speech Outline

Sample introduction speech topics, sample self introduction speech objectives, write the outline, including hobbies and interests, sell yourself, use short, simple sentences..

What exactly do you need to cover in your introduction speech? You might choose to include a wide variety of information but there are some things you should not miss. Some of them are as follows:

• What is your name?
• Where are you from?
• What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
• What has been your passion in life?
• Who has been your role model?
• Any fun facts that make you stand out.
• Your credibility or job title.

Tip: If possible you should definitely include a visual aid in the form of pictures to compliment your speech. Pictures of you, your travels, family, or pets are always endearing!

Writing a self-introduction speech always seems easy at first. Besides, you definitely know yourself the best. However, once you begin writing you can find yourself getting lost. What do you want to include in this speech? So, grab a pen and scan through the topics in the list below. Circle any of the ones that speak to you so that you have a better grasp of what direction you’d like to take with your speech.

• What event has played an important part in shaping your life? Tell the story and the lesson you’ve learned.
• What is your goal in life?
• Where are you from? Is there anything about your culture or traditions that you’d like to share?
• How do you like to spend your time?
• What are some of your pet peeves?
• Do you have any special skills that you’re proud of?
• What does a day in your shoes feel like?
• What have been some of the most important milestones in your life?
• Have there been any difficult times that guided your life?
• What is a topic you could talk about for hours?
• What is an object that is dearest to you?
• What quirks make you the individual you are?

Now that you have an idea on how to draft your outline, here are some objectives for you to tick off.

• First off, grab their attention. Just because it is your introduction does not mean that your opening has to be plain. Find something catchy and concise.
• Start with some background. Set up the stage and introduce who you are. Try to present it in chronological order.
• Build a story. The speech is about you but make sure you build a relatable story to keep the audience’s attention.
• Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying how reliable you are, tell a story that shows it.
• For conclusion, try to leave your audience with a takeaway. Whether from your experiences or from a relatable standpoint. Either that or you can build the story leading up to who you are right now and leave the stage on an inspirational note.

How to write a self-introduction speech?

Are you ready to write your self-introduction speech? We’ve got just the steps for you:

The outline of your speech is simply a skeletal draft of your speech. It can initially simply take the form of bullet points. What matters is you figure out what elements are going into the speech. Similarly, figure out what order you will be presenting these elements. Typically icebreakers follow a chronological order so that you can build up to the current you.

It is common to start with your roots. Pick out some childhood traits that are relatable or that make you stand out. You can build on this with stories, talk about your education, and go on to talk about how you got to where you are currently.

If you are introducing yourself in a work setting, make sure you link your interest to your ambition. It will project you in a good light to your superiors and will also make your hobbies a lot more relevant. This is also a great idea to keep your speech concise and to the point. From a professional standpoint, you should follow your hobbies with the steps you are taking to reach the goal. For example, “I’ve always been into sketching, but now I’m taking illustrator courses to put my designing skills to use.”

Your hobbies are a great insight into who you are in your free time. If you’re into a particular niche hobby like bird-watching or pottery, you might even end up finding others in the crowd with similar interests. Similarly, it is a great way to gain credibility on a certain subject.

When people talk about their passion, there is a certain twinkle in their eyes. This is such an endearing quality that is sure to get your audience to respond. Try to give a short insight into you pursuing the hobby or how you came about to discover it in the first place. It is much more effective than simply listing out your interests. Talk about what aspects of the hobby draw you to it. It can help the audience get the bigger picture in getting to know you.

If the icebreaker is being delivered in a much more formal setting, you might want to focus more on your personal skills than your hobbies. The audience there might be more interested in your soft skills than your love of photography.

It might help to list out all your hobbies, interests, and skills along with why you are drawn to those interests. It can help you draw a parallel between them and deliver a much more well-rounded speech.

Knowing a person is an endless process. We’re sure you must have gone through your own journey with highs, lows, milestones and learnings that could be their own feature movies. It can be difficult to decide what exactly gets to make it to the speech when all of it made you who you are. But the longer you pad your introduction, the less are the chances of people actually listening to it.

This is why your self-introduction speech needs to spend a good amount of time on the cutting floor as well. Assess your audience and try to think of it from their perspective. What is relevant? Also, think of the location and if your stories are appropriate for the setting. Make sure you respect the time by picking only the most relevant information and keeping it short.

Even if your usual style is something like self-deprecating humor, for this occasion try to present yourself in a much more positive light. You want to project confidence. This is the impression that most of these people are likely to remember, so make it a good one. Pick your traits and stories well.

A self-introduction speech is almost always a great floor to pitch yourself. When else will you get this open invitation to present yourself to potential clients? Remember, the aim is to boost yourself and not boast about yourself. If you talk too much about what you can do and have done, it is easy to sound pompous and turn people off.

Try to stick to the truth. Instead of listing accomplishments by the dozens, talk about a passion you had and how you turned it into an accomplishment. Stay humble when speaking of future aspirations. And most of all, be grateful. Show appreciation to the people who have helped you so far.

How you sell yourself is not just dependent on the words you speak but also on your delivery. All the words in the world won’t be able to make up for a meek delivery. So make sure you write from your heart as that will be the easiest to deliver. Work on your build-up so that the ending is satisfying. Don’t just give an account for accomplishments by the year. For example: talk about how curious you were about animals from early on, how you got into photography because it lets you keep a moment with you forever, and eventually you got into animal photography. This way, it feels like a complete story.

In a more professional setting, you’d say, “As a freelance photographer, I used my marketing background to promote myself and stayed active in networking. I learned that creativity is wonderful but paired with due diligence, it can get you to much greater heights.” It showcases your skills, your traits, as well as shows you as an individual that is constantly reflecting, learning, and growing. This is the sweet spot you are aiming for.

While we’ve stressed the importance of relatability and humility, it is also important to create your own place on stage. You cannot be yet another person with only music and travel as their interests. Think of things that make you unique.

Put your humble hat aside for a bit. If you’ve assisted in making a big project happen, mention it. Talk about how you’ve led a team through a crisis. Discuss your learning experiences. Present a before and after of a milestone to show how much a role has impacted who you are today. Even if the project wasn’t successful, you can talk about how you’d approach it differently in the present day.

Even for relatively common interests like travel, you can pick unique memories and what aspects of travel have changed you for the better. Take every opportunity to spin a story to showcase a trait or talent. Think of the unique things that make you, you.

It can be easy to get lost in your stories. Try not to ramble too much and stick to the point. When writing your script, use varied sentence structures to keep things interesting. It will help if you read it out loud or record yourself so you can track how you’re doing. Try not to use too much jargon. Keep it simple and clear.

Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

Here's how you can nail your self-introduction speech, without the sweaty palms! Go from nervous to natural with these tips.

It's time! The moment for your self-introduction speech is upon you. Are your palms sweating just at the thought? There are two secrets to making it easier to give an introduction speech about yourself: practice and preparation.

And with those two things already on your to-do list, we took care of some of the lifting for you with these self-introduction speech examples. Plus plenty of tips to help you not only get through it but get through it and feel good about it after. Yes, it is possible. And you're on your way!

Easy Self-introduction Speeches for School

It's the first day of school or of the semester. Perhaps you've found yourself in a new classroom halfway through the academic year. No fear, these intros will ease you into things and hook you a few new friends and classroom groupmates, too.

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Self-Introduction for Elementary or Middle School Kids

For the younger kiddos, these intros are all about who they are and what makes them happy.

• "Hi, everybody! My name is [Your Name], and I'm super excited to be in this class with all of you. I'm [Your Age] years old. I live with my family, and we have a dog named [Dog's Name] who likes to eat all my homework. I really love dinosaurs, especially the T-Rex because he's big but has tiny arms, just like my baby brother when he tries to reach for cookies on the high shelf. In my free time, I love building rocket ships from Legos. One day, I hope to become an astronaut and find aliens -- friendly ones, of course!"
• "Good morning, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm really excited to be part of this class. I am [Your Age] years old. At home, I'm the queen/king of board games, although my cat [Cat's Name] often tries to join in and messes up the pieces. My favorite food is pizza, because who can say no to pizza? And when I grow up, I want to be a detective because I love solving mysteries, like where my missing socks go in the dryer. I'm looking forward to learning and having fun with all of you this year!"

Self-Introduction Speech for High Schoolers

Give new classmates an in or let people know that you're just like them so you can make friends once you find the cafeteria.

• "Hey everyone, I'm [Your Name]. I'm new here, so please go easy on me if I can't find my way to the cafeteria. A few facts about me: I love music and play the guitar -- it's like a six-stringed stress buster for me. I'm a total sci-fi geek. If you need someone to debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, I'm your person! And I have a secret ambition: to try every ice cream flavor in the world. Looking forward to getting to know all of you."

Self-Introduction Speech for College Kids

A quip about your major is a great way to start, but you can also loop in anything you love (or avoid) on your campus too, even if it's the steps by the library that seem to go on for eternity.

• "Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I'm majoring in [Your Major]. When I'm not elbow-deep in textbooks or caffeine, I love exploring the city, one coffee shop at a time. Yes, I'm a self-confessed coffee addict and my dream is to find the perfect cup of coffee. I also enjoy [Another Hobby], because what's life without a little variety, right? Excited to be on this journey with you all!"

Job Interview Self-Introduction Speech

There's nothing like the dreaded "tell us about yourself" comment at an interview. The good news? You won't have any more nightmares because this intro is the perfect way to ease into the answer.

• "Good morning/afternoon! I'm [Your Name], and it's a pleasure to meet you. I graduated from [Your University] with a degree in [Your Major], and since then, I've gained [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience in the [Your Field] field. During my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility] and I [Describe a Key Achievement or Impact You Made]. What I particularly enjoyed about that role was the opportunity to [Something You Enjoyed that Relates to the New Job]. In my free time, I enjoy [Briefly Mention a Hobby], which helps me to [Explain How It Applies to the New Role]. For example, [Concrete Example of How Hobby Relates to Job]. I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my unique experience and passion for [Mention Something About the Company or Role] to this position. Thank you for this opportunity to interview."
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Work Self-Introduction Speeches

Make a smooth, witty, and warm self-introduction when you land the job or want to kick off an introduction with ease.

Introduction for a New Job

You're the new kid on the block at the office, you have enough to learn, here's an easy intro on your first day before jumping in.

• "Hello team, I'm [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining the [Company Name] family as your new [Your Job Title]. I come with a background in [Relevant Skills or Experience], and most recently, I was at [Previous Company] where I [Describe a Key Achievement or Project]. Outside work, I love [A Personal Interest or Hobby]. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and contributing to our shared success."

Introduction for a Presentation or Meeting

Before you launch into the important information, take a moment to let people know who you are, why you're giving this presentation, and why you're qualified to do it. After all, you've done all the hard work, allow your accolades to shine.

• "Good morning/afternoon everyone, for those who don't know me yet, I'm [Your Name], the [Your Job Title] here at [Company Name]. I oversee [Briefly Describe Your Responsibilities]. I've been with [Company Name] for [Duration at the Company], and before that, I worked at [Previous Company]. Today, I'm excited to discuss [Topic of Presentation or Meeting]. Although if you want to chat after, I also love [Hobby]."

Introduction for a Networking Event

You'll be introducing yourself a lot at networking, so now is the time to make yourself pop and be memorable.

• "Hello, I'm [Your Name], currently serving as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've been in the [Your Industry] industry for [Number of Years], specializing in [Your Specialty]. When I'm not [Job-Related Activity], I like to [Personal Interest or Hobby]. I'm eager to meet like-minded professionals and see how we can help each other grow in our careers."

Introducing Yourself at a Funeral

Whether you're delivering a eulogy, poem, or making a brief introduction of yourself to other family and friends, you can rely on this intro to make things a little easier.

• "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I had the honor of being [Deceased's Name]'s [Your Relation to the Deceased, e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor]. We shared many [memories/experiences] together, and I am here to pay my respects and celebrate the remarkable life they led. Their [specific quality or memory] has always stuck with me, and it is something I will carry in their memory."

How to Introduce Yourself at a Party

It's party time! Keep the intro laid back and casual.

• "Hi! I'm [Your Name]. I may know some of you from [How You Know Some People at the Party]. I'm [a brief sentence about yourself, e.g., your job, where you're from]. I'm a bit of a [Hobby] enthusiast, so if you ever want to chat about [Topic Related to Hobby], I'm all ears."

Examples of How to Introduce Yourself to a New Group

You're the newbie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Start your clean slate with a short and sweet intro.

• "Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining this group! I have always been passionate about [Your Hobby]. It all started when [A Short Story About How You Got Started With This Hobby]. Over the years, my love for it has only grown, and I've spent countless hours [Describe Something You Do Related to The Hobby].
• Apart from this, I'm [Something About Your Job or Other Interests]. In my day-to-day life, I'm a [Your Profession], which can be pretty demanding, but [Your Hobby] has always been my perfect stress-buster.
• I joined this group because I wanted to meet people who share this passion, learn from your experiences, and hopefully contribute with some of my own insights. I'm really excited to be a part of this community and can't wait to get to know all of you better!"

10 Tips for Writing and Making a Self-Introduction Speech

Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing and giving your self-introduction speech. The most important tip, however, is to do what feels natural and flows easily.

• Know Your Audience : Tailor your introduction to the context and the audience. A self-introduction at a professional event will be very different from one at a casual party.
• Start Strong: Grab the audience's attention from the beginning. You can start with an interesting fact about yourself, a short story, or a joke if the setting is informal.
• Keep It Brief: Your introduction should be concise and to the point. Stick to key details about who you are, what you do, and perhaps one or two interesting facts or hobbies.
• Be Authentic : Genuine introductions are the most memorable. Be honest about who you are and don't be afraid to show some personality.
• Highlight Key Moments : Especially in a professional setting, it can be helpful to highlight a few key experiences or achievements that have defined your career or personal life.
• End on a Positive Note: Conclude your introduction on a positive or forward-looking note. You could express excitement about the event or meeting, or share a hope or goal for the future.
• Practice, Practice, Practice : Rehearse your introduction speech so you can deliver it confidently and naturally. This will help reduce any nerves and ensure you come across as polished and professional.
• Be Engaging : Use body language to engage your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures where appropriate.
• Relate It to the Purpose of the Event : If there's a specific reason for your introduction (like starting a new job, or joining a club), make sure to mention your relationship to the event or group and your expectations or goals.
• Provide A Personal Touch : Share a little about your personal life (like a hobby or interest) to make your introduction more unique and memorable.

Remember, the goal is to introduce yourself effectively, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it brief, engaging, and genuine .

Introducing Yourself With Ease

Sit yourself in front of the mirror, and run through your lines like an actor for a play, and in no time at all, the words will flow and you'll find a natural cadence. You may even surprise yourself with how easily your introductions flows once you take the stage. Don't be surprised if people ask how you were so calm and cool.

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How to Write a Speech About Yourself?

To write a speech about yourself, start by identifying your key accomplishments and experiences in a concise manner and then structure your speech around these points. When it comes to providing a speech about oneself, it’s crucial to strike a balance between confidently highlighting your achievements and maintaining humility.

Crafting a compelling speech can be challenging, but with a clear structure and effective storytelling, you can effectively convey your personal narrative. This article offers practical tips and insights to help you write a speech about yourself that captivates your audience’s attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you’re preparing for a graduation ceremony, job interview, or a personal event, this guide will ensure your speech is well-organized, engaging and highlights the unique aspects that define you. Let’s delve into the process of writing an impactful speech about yourself.

Table of Contents

2. Crafting Your Personal Story

Crafting Your Personal Story is a crucial aspect of writing a speech about yourself. Through this process, you can effectively highlight your unique experiences, skills, and achievements, capturing the audience’s attention and making a lasting impression.

• Introduction: Start with a captivating opening that grabs your audience’s attention. Introduce yourself briefly and state the purpose of your speech.
• Main Body: Divide your speech into sections or paragraphs, with each focusing on a specific key experience. Start by providing some context for each experience, and then share the details of what happened, including any challenges or lessons learned.
• Transition: Use transitional phrases or sentences to smoothly move from one experience to the next. This will help create a logical flow and maintain the interest of your audience.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key experiences and tie them back to the theme of your speech. Leave your audience with a memorable closing statement or call to action.

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3. Engaging With Your Audience

When delivering a speech about yourself, it’s crucial to engage your audience to capture their attention and make a lasting impression. By establishing a connection, relating to their experiences, and incorporating humor, you can create a memorable and impactful speech.

3.1 Establishing Connection

Establishing a connection with your audience is fundamental to building rapport and keeping them engaged throughout your speech. You can achieve this by:

• Maintaining eye contact to make your audience feel involved and connected to your story.
• Mirroring their body language subtly to create a sense of familiarity and rapport.
• Using inclusive language such as “we” and “us” to establish a shared experience.

3.2 Relating To Their Experiences

Relating to your audience’s experiences helps them connect your story to their own lives, making it more relatable and engaging. Consider:

• Sharing personal anecdotes that your audience can resonate with and find common ground.
• Using examples and analogies that illustrate situations similar to the ones your audience may have encountered.
• Addressing universal struggles or aspirations that your audience can relate to emotionally.

3.3 Using Humor

Integrating humor into your speech not only entertains your audience but also helps them remember your message. Here’s how:

Remember, striking a balance between relatability and humor is key. Make sure the jokes or anecdotes you use are appropriate for the occasion and align with the overall tone of your speech.

Engaging with your audience during a speech about yourself not only captures their attention but also builds a connection and leaves a lasting impact. By establishing rapport, relating to their experiences, and incorporating humor, you can ensure your speech resonates with your audience and creates a memorable experience.

4. Showcasing Your Achievements

Crafting a speech about yourself requires showcasing your achievements effectively. Highlight your accomplishments in a concise and engaging way to captivate your audience. Let your successes shine while staying authentic in delivering your story.

4.1 Highlighting Accomplishments

• Make a list of your top achievements.
• Categorize them based on their relevance to your speech.
• Select the most impressive and impactful achievements to include in your speech.
• Describe each accomplishment briefly, focusing on the challenges you faced and the results you achieved.
• Use specific examples, numbers, or metrics to quantify the success.

4.2 Demonstrating Expertise

• Clearly state your qualifications and relevant experience at the beginning of your speech.
• Provide examples of how your expertise has been applied in real-world situations.
• Share success stories or case studies to illustrate your problem-solving abilities.
• Highlight any certifications, degrees, or training that reinforce your expertise in the topic.
• Show enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter to further establish your credibility.

4.3 Imparting Lessons Learned

• Reflect on your experiences and identify valuable insights or key learnings.
• Craft concise and impactful statements that encapsulate each lesson.
• Explain how these lessons have influenced your growth and success.
• Relate the lessons to the audience’s context to increase relevance and engagement.
• Encourage your audience to reflect on their own experiences and apply the lessons to their own lives.

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5. Ending With Impact

Learn how to write a speech about yourself that leaves a lasting impact with these effective tips. Craft your sentences to be concise, captivating, and memorable, ensuring your audience is engaged from start to finish.

5.1 Call-to-action

• Clearly state what you want the audience to do.
• Make it specific and achievable.
• Highlight the benefits they will gain.

5.2 Summarizing Key Points

• Start by briefly restating your main message or thesis statement.
• Highlight the main supporting points you covered throughout your speech.
• Reinforce the significance and relevance of your main ideas.

5.3 Leaving A Lasting Impression

• End with a powerful quote or thought-provoking statement that encapsulates your speech.
• Share a personal anecdote that leaves a strong emotional impact.
• Reiterate your main message, emphasizing its significance.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Write A Speech About Yourself?

How do i start a speech about myself.

To start a speech about yourself, introduce yourself with a brief personal background and highlight your expertise or achievements that are relevant to the topic of the speech.

What Are Some Tips To Engage The Audience In A Speech About Myself?

Engage the audience in your speech about yourself by using storytelling, incorporating humor, asking thought-provoking questions, and maintaining eye contact to create a connection.

How Can I Make My Speech About Myself Memorable?

Make your speech about yourself memorable by sharing personal anecdotes, using visuals or props, expressing passion and emotion, and ending with a strong and inspiring conclusion.

Writing a speech about yourself can be a daunting task, but it is also an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create an engaging and impactful speech that will captivate your audience.

Remember to be authentic, speak from the heart, and use storytelling techniques to connect with your listeners. With practice and confidence, you will be able to deliver a speech that reflects who you truly are. Good luck!

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Giving a Speech About Yourself?

Build your story around people who influenced you the most..

By Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

If you are a successful professional—or you aim to be—it is likely that you will be asked to speak about yourself at some point in your career. Of course, all Toastmasters learn to do this in their Ice Breaker speeches. But a more robust speech about your background and how you attained your current stage in life might be appropriate with a promotion, accepting an award or some other community recognition.

Even seasoned speakers can be shaken by the idea of speaking at length about themselves. Didn’t our parents teach us to be humble, work hard and keep our heads down? Giving a speech about how successful we are might feel immodest or boastful. Not if it’s done properly.

As a professional speaking coach, I advise clients who come to me for help with crafting a speech about themselves to use two simple strategies: 1) Tell your life story in three clearly defined acts; and 2) Remember that no one becomes successful alone. While discussing your experience, be sure to give credit to the family members, colleagues and mentors who guided or supported you through your career. Highlight your success while thanking the people who helped you find it.

The video above is from www.frippvt.com .

Structuring Your Story

Look at your life story as if it were a play: Act I: When you were young; Act II: When you were more mature and starting your career; and Act III: When you achieved success. Audiences want to know your personal story and details about your journey to success. Try to convey where you came from, how hard you worked and what motivated you through your life, and then finally, how it feels to be where you are now—always remembering to mention the people who helped you along the way.

Here’s an example of what I mean: Consider Alex, a successful executive, who was to give a speech about his role as president of a real estate franchise. Speaking at the company’s annual conference, Alex’s audience of 700 realtors knew he was a multimillionaire. They did not, however, know of his humble beginnings.

“This is the secret to talking about yourself comfortably: give the best lines to your characters.”

His opening: “I never met my mother and didn’t meet my father until I was 14 years old. I was raised by my grandmother, and life was perfect.” Scene I, Act I of his life “play” gives the audience a clear sense of who he was as a child. He continued by describing his first hero—his grandmother. He talked about the influence she had on him, her philosophy that would inspire his own, the unconditional love she gave and her death when he was 14. That’s when Alex went to live with his father. Suddenly, he was forced to live with a person he never knew and stepbrothers and sisters he hadn’t known existed.

The owner of the business where Alex worked when he was 20 years old brought in a business consultant who noticed Alex and realized that he had great potential and initiative. The consultant guided him toward going into business for himself. That consultant gave him the courage to pursue entrepreneurism.

In this act, Alex talks about the man he referred to as his adoptive grandfather. This man also encouraged and guided him to expand his business beyond what Alex had believed possible. Alex included the actual words of support his adoptive grandfather said to him. This is a great example of the kind of story you can tell about yourself that helps the audience feel connected. In this way, his three influencers were the “heroes” of the speech, rather than Alex himself.

Alex’s presentation described the influence of his grandmother, a business consultant and his adopted grandfather. This is the secret to talking about your self comfortably: give the best lines to your characters. Repeat their advice in your speech—let them deliver the dialogue.

When you are putting together a speech about yourself, design it in three acts and give credit to all who helped put you on the right path. This strategy will help alleviate any anxiety.

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• Academic Writing Guides

How to Write a Speech About Yourself

The initial introduction in public speaking is crucial as it sets the tone, captures attention, and signals the nature of the presentation. It can take various forms, such as a captivating statement, a resonant quote, or a surprising fact that elicits interest. The artistry of this introduction lies in its ability to intrigue and engage, creating a magnetic pull that draws the audience into the speaker’s narrative.

In professional arenas, an introductory speech about yourself is pivotal as a bridge between strangers, unlocking the potential for meaningful connections. They are instrumental in building rapport and establishing common ground, facilitating networking, fostering collaborations, and leaving a lasting impression on colleagues and potential collaborators.

The significance of self-introduction extends beyond formal settings into everyday social interactions. An effective self-introduction speech catalyzes connection, sparking conversations and weaving the fabric of lasting relationships. In casual encounters, it acts as a conversational anchor, providing a starting point inviting others to engage and share their stories.

The overarching goal of this guide is empowerment, aiming to empower individuals with the knowledge of how to write a speech about yourself. By providing a step-by-step journey, the guide encourages individuals to navigate the nuances of audience understanding, content creation, and delivery techniques, making every self-introduction speech a memorable and impactful experience.

Writing a Speech About Yourself: Tone and Language

To effectively write an intro speech about yourself, choose the right tone for your self-introduction. Consider the formality of the occasion and adjust your tone accordingly. Opt for a polished and professional tone in more formal settings while adopting a more informal tone in casual or personal settings. Reflect on the occasion and setting by assessing the atmosphere and setting. Tailor your tone to align with the overall mood of the event to ensure your self-introduction resonates with the audience and enhances engagement.

Avoid common pitfalls by balancing boasting vs. humility. Highlight your achievements modestly, focusing on lessons learned and collaborative efforts contributing to your success. Humility adds a relatable dimension to your self-introduction, fostering a positive connection with the audience. Balancing confidence and relatability is essential. Speak with assurance about your experiences and skills but avoid creating an emotional distance by appearing overly confident or detached. Share personal stories or challenges demonstrating vulnerability, making you more relatable to your audience.

By carefully navigating these considerations in tone and language, you can tailor your self-introduction to the specific dynamics of the situation, making it more impactful and resonant with your audience.

What Is an Introductory Speech – Clear Explanation

An introductory speech is a verbal presentation where an individual provides information about themselves, their background, and other details to an audience. The primary purpose of an introductory speech is to establish a connection with listeners, create a good first impression, and set the tone for the interaction or event.

The introductory speech typically begins with the speaker’s formal or informal introduction, including their name, title, and role. The speaker briefly outlines the purpose of their presentation, which could range from introducing themselves in a new environment to providing context for their presence at an event. Personal information such as name, age, place of origin, and current location are shared to provide a foundation for the audience to get to know the speaker.

Educational and professional background details are often included, such as academic achievements, degrees earned, and significant milestones in their career. Hobbies and interests are shared to add a personal touch and make the speech more relatable. Key achievements and accomplishments are highlighted to establish the speaker’s credibility and showcase their expertise in a particular field. Future goals and aspirations are discussed to provide insight into the speaker’s ambitions and foster a shared purpose with the audience.

Connection to the audience is established by finding common ground through shared experiences, values, or goals. The introductory speech typically concludes with a closing statement summarizing key points and leaving a positive impression.

Structure Examples of Introduction Speeches About Yourself

A speech should contain three sections: Introduction to a speech about yourself, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab attention with an attention-grabbing anecdote, compelling quote, or rhetorical question, establishing the narrative. The body should include two or three key themes or experiences that align with the overall message, such as pivotal moments in your career, personal achievements, or transformative experiences.

Organizing content coherently is crucial, either chronologically taking the audience through your life’s journey or thematically focusing on specific aspects of your identity or experiences. Transitions should guide the audience smoothly from one point to the next. Balancing personal and professional aspects is essential, integrating stories from professional achievements with personal anecdotes that showcase your values or character.

In conclusion, summarize the key points covered in the self-introduction, reinforcing the main themes or takeaways to ensure a clear understanding of who you are and what you’ve shared. Craft a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the audience, such as a reflective comment on your journey, an inspiring quote, or a call to action that aligns with your overall message.

By paying attention to each section, incorporating engaging elements, and ensuring a seamless flow, you learn how to write a speech about yourself that captures attention and resonates deeply with your audience.

Understanding the Audience

To know how to write a speech about yourself that is compelling, it is crucial to understand the target audience, including demographics, interests, and expectations. This helps tailor the speech to resonate with their experiences and aspirations, establishing a genuine connection.

Once the target audience is identified, align the speech content with their interests and concerns. Highlight key themes that resonate with them, such as your background, experiences, and achievements. Incorporate relevant anecdotes or examples to make the self-introduction more meaningful and memorable.

Tailoring tone and language for audience engagement is essential. Match the tone to match the occasion’s atmosphere and your listeners’ preferences. Maintain a polished and professional tone in formal settings while injecting warmth and relatability in casual settings. Consider the cultural context and strive for inclusivity in language nuances and communication styles. Avoid unfamiliar jargon and opt for clear, accessible language.

Review and Revision

Actively seek out the opinions of a wide range of people, such as mentors, friends you can trust, and peers. Their diverse viewpoints provide valuable insights that can reveal blind spots and provide your self-introduction with a comprehensive assessment. Encourage candid and detailed comments to identify areas that might need improvement.

Audience Simulation

You can advance the process by performing a practice or simulated presentation in front of a small audience. You may measure responses in real-time in this live environment, picking up on subtleties that could be overlooked in one-on-one feedback sessions. Using this hands-on exercise, keep a close eye on audience participation, facial expressions, and any questions or concerns expressed to pinpoint possible areas for improvement.

Explore the narrative components of your self-introduction in detail, realizing how important they are to its impact and clarity. Make sure the story is convincing, coherent, and transparent by evaluating it. To improve the general flow, reorder the major themes or events and cut out any extraneous information that could divert attention from your core point.

Optimize Crucial Points

Go over the main ideas you emphasized in the introduction about yourself speech. Ensure every point flows naturally from your main point, significantly contributing to the desired effect. Adjust the wording to effectively and succinctly communicate your ideas; strive for accuracy and avoid excessive detail. Aim for a balance between clarity and captivating your audience.

Grammar Accuracy

Examine the wording you choose in your self-introduction very carefully. Make sure the words you use to express what you mean. Remove any excessive jargon or extremely complicated language that could make it difficult to understand. Balance simplicity and eloquence when selecting words for your audience.

Consistency of Tone

Check to see if your tone remained the same throughout your introduction. Ensure it flows naturally from the presentation’s background to the audience’s expectations. Any sudden changes in tone that can throw off how your speech flows overall should be smoothed out. Maintaining a consistent tone strengthens your emotional bond with your audience and improves the coherence of your message.

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Topic ideas.

Speeches given at introductions are potent tools for illuminating the nuances of a person’s personality, morals, and experiences. In this process of revelation, choosing a topic is essential, and there are many exciting examples of introduction speeches about yourself to delve into. “My Journey Through Passion and Profession,” “Navigating Crossroads,” and “From Student to Professional” are a few examples that offer frameworks for telling stories about personal and professional development. “The Influence of Travel” and “Bridging Cultures” provide a platform for discussing the impact of many experiences, while “Unveiling the Layers” invites the speaker to explore the many facets of their identity.

Furthermore, you can focus on particular facets of their journeys by choosing an example of speech about yourself like “My Leadership Philosophy,” “Overcoming Adversity,” “Passion Projects and Side Hustles,” and “Finding Purpose in Volunteerism.” These speeches should explore the feelings, lessons, and personal growth connected to these situations rather than just retelling the facts.

The transformative power of travel, the rewards and difficulties of being a global citizen, the pursuit of passion projects, the resilience shown in the face of adversity, the fulfillment found in volunteer work, and the guiding principles that shape one’s leadership philosophy are additional topics for introduction speeches beyond the ones listed above. Authenticity is the key to a solid first speech.

The speaker’s story should authentically represent their character, morals, and life lessons learned from their experience.

To know how to start speech about yourself requires adjusting the topic to the speaker’s passions, experiences, and areas of interest. The speech should also be tailored to their needs and tastes to establish a connection with the audience that goes beyond words. The speaker can effectively share their perspective and personal progress by selecting a topic that speaks to them. When delivered with ability on these subjects, introductory speeches can create a strong bond between the speaker and the audience by allowing them to participate in the natural and proper parts of the speaker’s narrative.

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How to Write a Speech About Yourself

Use this extensive guide to learn everything that you need to know about giving speeches. Nobody has to be born with an overwhelming amount of confidence and charisma to be good at speeches, even if that helps a lot.

Moreover, to deliver a great speech, you’ll need to come prepared with the written version of it. So, there’s no skipping this step. After that, it’s just practicing until it feels right. With the knowledge we will provide in this article, you can become more confident and skilled at speech writing.

We will also provide persuasive speech examples for you to have a clear reference for what you can write, so there’s no need to fret. Let’s go through this step by step with our write my dissertation service .

What We’ll Cover 

Don’t skip anything in this article if you want to make a stellar self-introduction speech about yourself that delivers your message and leaves an impact on your audience. The impact that you want, of course. 

On a side note, if you’re looking for expert writing help via the web, then EssayPro is a paper writing service with hundreds of expert writers ready for your beck and call. 

Moving on, this article will help you with:

• Making a speech outline
• To learn what to say about yourself
• Writing a 2-minute speech
• Writing persuasive speeches
• Learning how to write in the correct tone, as well as learning how to create an interesting hook

This info will be very useful if you want to create a well-written self-introduction speech about yourself. '

What Is an Introductory Speech? 

An introductory speech is a speech talking about yourself and particular aspects of yourself to persuade a crowd or perhaps reach a certain goal. Too burnt out? If you need a writer to help you make a speech, then you should consider outsourcing some of the writing to a professional.

But if you decide to take on the challenge of writing a self-introduction speech, after all, you should remember that the point of it is to communicate who you are to your audience first and foremost. 

Start With an Outline 

Preparation is key when writing an introductory speech. As an example, we’ve given you an entire speech outline that focuses on personal achievements at work and school. Of course, the content of your speech can change depending on the context. But the basic structure stays the same. Here it is:

Introduction. In the intro, state any fundamental information about you. This includes your full name, faculty, expertise, and college/university if you are attending one. Use a hook to get your audience invested in what you have to say.

‍ Informative Body Part . If the goal is to persuade and present oneself in a good light through personal achievements, then the body part should be as straightforward as possible. You can start by talking about:

• Personal experiences and achievements 
• Professional experience, work life, and professional achievements, your expertise, and specialty
• Social activities like volunteering, community work, charities, etc. 
• Your educational background 

Bonus Information. Include info on your skills, hobbies, and any additional languages you might speak.

Conclusion. You can write about future goals, dreams, and ambitions here. 

You are slowly learning how to write a speech about yourself the right way. Keep reading. 

What You Can Write About Yourself in a Speech

When writing and delivering an engaging ‘all about me’ speech, you can consider including the following (if it’s context-appropriate): 

• Telling a personal story about your life and experiences
• Using quotes that motivate and inspire. Only use quotes that have a significant meaning to you 
• Asking questions to further engage the audience  

Speeches are similar to rhetorical analysis, so you might learn a thing or two from reading up on them. Moreover, there is no one way to answer the question ‘how to write a persuasive speech’, but you can interject these elements in between information about yourself to keep it dynamic. 

Writing a Two Minute Speech About Yourself 

If you want to write a 2-minute speech about yourself, then it’s important to write about what matters since time is so limited. If you want to freshen up your writing, review types of sentences for a memory boost. But don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Let’s look at an example of how to write a speech. Let’s say you’re writing a speech for a job opportunity. Here are some things you can keep in mind but can also be applied to other contexts: 

• Mention your current job and your educational background, and don’t forget to talk about your dreams and goals.
• Get into detail. Mention what you did in your job and your professional achievements. Don’t be vague. You want to radiate confidence and provide concrete information.
• Talk with enthusiasm . Charisma can sometimes be seen from a mile. Do you think a recruiter would hire a monotonous and overly hesitant speaker over someone charismatic, precise, and enthusiastic? 

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Persuasive Speech Outline 

An introductory speech could also be persuasive, especially if you’re trying to get the audience to agree with your point of view. That’s the essence of a persuasive speech - to persuade. If you’re confused, start with a persuasive speech outline of the course. It could resemble this:

• Introduction : Include a hook, information about the topic, and perspective that you want to talk about, and then hit the audience with your thesis/claim.
• Body : Extrapolate on the points you made in the intro, just like in an essay. Start with the main ideas, then follow up with evidence.
• Conclusion : Restate the main idea/claim of your choosing. Restate your arguments, then write why you think your arguments are positive and have value. Then, depending on the context, call the audience to action.

And that basically answers the question of ‘How to write a speech outline for persuading?’. If you need some inspiration material - you can look up any TED talk. You’ll see that they tend to follow this structure pretty often.

Check out some narrative writing topics , the information may be helpful to you. 

Persuasive Speech About Yourself 

Speaking of persuasive speech examples, let’s look at an example of how to write a speech. If you need more references, then use ours below to refine your writing. It’s good to look at references since it can easily help you with any individual blocks in your creative process.

Persuasive Speech Example

Persuasive speech for a business presentation, step by step tips.

We’ve come this far in answering the questions of ‘How to write a speech about yourself?’, and for those who are still confused - it’s okay. We’re going to break it down for you, simple and clear. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll overcome hurdles while writing what you need to. 

And on that note, for any writing difficulties you may have, the college essay writing service is ready and accessible through the click of your mouse. If your burdens are piling up, it’s time to get a helping hand. 

Now let’s go through our guide to help you learn how to start a speech about yourself and how to end a speech about yourself. 

Tone of Voice

Let’s not forget to cater the language and tone of your speech to the context and audience. We’ve learned that in speeches for a change in education or career opportunities, it’s best to keep a professional tone of voice and highlight your achievements. 

However, if the introductory speech is for a toast, or perhaps to persuade a general audience, a more relatable tone of voice is acceptable. 

Write a Hook

A hook should be intriguing, attention-grabbing, strong, and catchy. Its goal is to capture an audience, so try to think of something that subverts the audience’s expectations. For example, if your speech is going to be about yourself, don’t start with, “My name is Jeff.” Start things with something like, “I’ve always wanted to speak in front of an audience and share what’s important to me, and here I am now.”

Any speech class deals with this part of a self introduction speech in great detail. It will help you capture the audience’s attention. And once you have that - you are pretty much golden. Any speech is about capturing the audience’s attention first and foremost.

Make an Outline

As we’ve stated time and again, an introduction speech about yourself should be written after you’ve made a solid outline. Outlines streamline the process of making the speech and can help clear out any brain fog as well as give you a sense of direction. 

Write Your Speech

Now that you’ve got an outline, it’s time to take all the pieces together and write them down. And just like that, you’re halfway there already. By following what you’ve learned in the whole article, the writing part should have been made easier. Take the time to write your speech, edit it, and then it’s on to the next. Stick around to see an example of how to write a persuasive speech example.

Start with a short speech at first. A couple of sentences will be more than enough. You can then work your way up, adding some fluff to the opening statement, mentioning your professional life, and utilizing bullet points to make a stronger impression. Just be sure not to lose your main point, provide only relevant information without too much derailing, and use simple sentences to make a stronger impression.

You can also use some minimal prompts to push you in the right direction. Your first rough draft should not be perfect. But as you move forward, it should be getting better and better with every revision up until you arrive at your final draft. Introductory speeches require a lot of detailed feedback to polish. Run your draft by your friends, and see what they can help you with. This is going to be a turning point in your writing process. Public speakers are used to rehearsing their speeches multiple times in advance.

Practice It! 

It’s crunch time. All the effort, preparing, writing, and researching ideas come down to this point. While there are individuals who are great at improvising, don’t take a chance if you’ve never given a speech before. It’s best to be prepared. Being prepared can help you gain confidence in what you’re saying. Even if you’re not very good at public speaking - this is how you make it work.

If you have enough time, you can even take a speech class. It will help you be more confident about your public speaking. Giving some smaller speeches could also help you improve your public speaking skills. A self-introduction speech is not really that hard. And public speaking is not a talent, it’s an acquired skill. So work on improving it.

If you’re still looking for ideas, then here are some about me speech ideas that can help and might still give you some more insight on how to write a good speech about yourself. 

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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How to write a good speech in 7 steps

By:  Susan Dugdale  

- an easily followed format for writing a great speech

Did you know writing a speech doesn't have be an anxious, nail biting experience?

Unsure? Don't be.

You may have lived with the idea you were never good with words for a long time. Or perhaps giving speeches at school brought you out in cold sweats.

However learning how to write a speech is relatively straight forward when you learn to write out loud.

And that's the journey I am offering to take you on: step by step.

To learn quickly, go slow

Take all the time you need. This speech format has 7 steps, each building on the next.

Walk, rather than run, your way through all of them. Don't be tempted to rush. Familiarize yourself with the ideas. Try them out.

I know there are well-advertised short cuts and promises of 'write a speech in 5 minutes'. However in reality they only truly work for somebody who already has the basic foundations of speech writing in place.

The foundation of good speech writing 

These steps are the backbone of sound speech preparation. Learn and follow them well at the outset and yes, given more experience and practice you could probably flick something together quickly. Like any skill, the more it's used, the easier it gets.

In the meantime...

Step 1: Begin with a speech overview or outline

Are you in a hurry? Without time to read a whole page? Grab ... The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist And come back to get the details later.

• WHO you are writing your speech for (your target audience)
• WHY you are preparing this speech. What's the main purpose of your speech? Is it to inform or tell your audience about something? To teach them a new skill or demonstrate something? To persuade or to entertain? (See 4 types of speeches: informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion or entertaining for more.) What do you want them to think, feel or do as a result of listening the speech?
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) - You'll want to have thought through your main points and have ranked them in order of importance. And have sorted the supporting research you need to make those points effectively.
• HOW much time you have for your speech eg. 3 minutes, 5 minutes... The amount of time you've been allocated dictates how much content you need. If you're unsure check this page: how many words per minute in a speech: a quick reference guide . You'll find estimates of the number of words required for 1 - 10 minute speeches by slow, medium and fast talkers.

Use an outline

The best way to make sure you deliver a perfect speech is to start by carefully completing a speech outline covering the essentials: WHO, WHY, WHAT and HOW.

Beginning to write without thinking your speech through is a bit like heading off on a journey not knowing why you're traveling or where you're going to end up. You can find yourself lost in a deep, dark, murky muddle of ideas very quickly!

Pulling together a speech overview or outline is a much safer option. It's the map you'll follow to get where you want to go.

Get a blank speech outline template to complete

Click the link to find out a whole lot more about preparing a speech outline . ☺ You'll also find a free printable blank speech outline template.  I recommend using it!

Understanding speech construction

Before you begin to write, using your completed outline as a guide, let's briefly look at what you're aiming to prepare.

• an opening or introduction
• the body where the bulk of the information is given
• and an ending (or summary).

Imagine your speech as a sandwich

If you think of a speech as a sandwich you'll get the idea.

The opening and ending are the slices of bread holding the filling (the major points or the body of your speech) together.

You can build yourself a simple sandwich with one filling (one big idea) or you could go gourmet and add up to three or, even five. The choice is yours.

But whatever you choose to serve, as a good cook, you need to consider who is going to eat it! And that's your audience.

So let's find out who they are before we do anything else. 

Step 2: Know who you are talking to

Understanding your audience.

Did you know a  good speech is never written from the speaker's point of view?  ( If you need to know more about why check out this page on  building rapport .)

Begin with the most important idea/point on your outline.

Consider HOW you can explain (show, tell) that to your audience in the most effective way for them to easily understand it.   

Writing from the audience's point of view

To help you write from an audience point of view, it's a good idea to identify either a real person or the type of person who is most likely to be listening to you.

Make sure you select someone who represents the "majority" of the people who will be in your audience. That is they are neither struggling to comprehend you at the bottom of your scale or light-years ahead at the top.

Now imagine they are sitting next to you eagerly waiting to hear what you're going to say. Give them a name, for example, Joe, to help make them real.

Ask yourself

• How do I need to tailor my information to meet Joe's needs? For example, do you tell personal stories to illustrate your main points? Absolutely! Yes. This is a very powerful technique. (Click storytelling in speeches to find out more.)
• What type or level of language is right for Joe as well as my topic? For example if I use jargon (activity, industry or profession specific vocabulary) will it be understood?

Step 3: Writing as you speak

Writing oral language.

Write down what you want to say about your first main point as if you were talking directly to Joe.

If it helps, say it all out loud before you write it down and/or record it.

Use the information below as a guide

(Click to download The Characteristics of Spoken Language  as a pdf.) 

You do not have to write absolutely everything you're going to say down * but you do need to write down, or outline, the sequence of ideas to ensure they are logical and easily followed.

Remember too, to explain or illustrate your point with examples from your research. 

( * Tip: If this is your first speech the safety net of having everything written down could be just what you need. It's easier to recover from a patch of jitters when you have a word by word manuscript than if you have either none, or a bare outline. Your call!)

Step 4: Checking tone and language

The focus of this step is re-working what you've done in Step 2 and 3.

You identified who you were talking to (Step 2) and in Step 3, wrote up your first main point.  Is it right? Have you made yourself clear?  Check it.

How well you complete this step depends on how well you understand the needs of the people who are going to listen to your speech.

Please do not assume because you know what you're talking about the person (Joe) you've chosen to represent your audience will too. Joe is not a mind-reader!

How to check what you've prepared

• Check the "tone" of your language . Is it right for the occasion, subject matter and your audience?
• Check the length of your sentences. You need short sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.

Check for jargon too. These are industry, activity or group exclusive words.

For instance take the phrase: authentic learning . This comes from teaching and refers to connecting lessons to the daily life of students. Authentic learning is learning that is relevant and meaningful for students. If you're not a teacher you may not understand the phrase.

The use of any vocabulary requiring insider knowledge needs to be thought through from the audience perspective. Jargon can close people out.

• Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, in a logical manner, continue the process with your next main idea. If it doesn't, rework.

We use whole sentences and part ones, and we mix them up with asides or appeals e.g. "Did you get that? Of course you did. Right...Let's move it along. I was saying ..."

Click for more about the differences between spoken and written language .

And now repeat the process

Repeat this process for the remainder of your main ideas.

Because you've done the first one carefully, the rest should follow fairly easily.

Step 5: Use transitions

Providing links or transitions between main ideas.

Between each of your main ideas you need to provide a bridge or pathway for your audience. The clearer the pathway or bridge, the easier it is for them to make the transition from one idea to the next.

If your speech contains more than three main ideas and each is building on the last, then consider using a "catch-up" or summary as part of your transitions.

Is your speech being evaluated? Find out exactly what aspects you're being assessed on using this standard speech evaluation form

Link/transition examples

A link can be as simple as:

"We've explored one scenario for the ending of Block Buster 111, but let's consider another. This time..."

What follows this transition is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Here's a summarizing link/transition example:

"We've ended Blockbuster 111 four ways so far. In the first, everybody died. In the second, everybody died BUT their ghosts remained to haunt the area. In the third, one villain died. His partner reformed and after a fight-out with the hero, they both strode off into the sunset, friends forever. In the fourth, the hero dies in a major battle but is reborn sometime in the future.

And now what about one more? What if nobody died? The fifth possibility..."

Go back through your main ideas checking the links. Remember Joe as you go. Try each transition or link out loud and really listen to yourself. Is it obvious? Easily followed?

Keep them if they are clear and concise.

For more about transitions (with examples) see Andrew Dlugan's excellent article, Speech Transitions: Magical words and Phrases .

Step 6: The end of your speech

The ideal ending is highly memorable . You want it to live on in the minds of your listeners long after your speech is finished. Often it combines a call to action with a summary of major points.

Example speech endings

Example 1: The desired outcome of a speech persuading people to vote for you in an upcoming election is that they get out there on voting day and do so. You can help that outcome along by calling them to register their support by signing a prepared pledge statement as they leave.

"We're agreed we want change. You can help us give it to you by signing this pledge statement as you leave. Be part of the change you want to see!

Example 2: The desired outcome is increased sales figures. The call to action is made urgent with the introduction of time specific incentives.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!"

How to figure out the right call to action

A clue for working out what the most appropriate call to action might be, is to go back to your original purpose for giving the speech.

• Was it to motivate or inspire?
• Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?
• Was it to share specialist information?
• Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

For more about ending speeches

Visit this page for more about how to end a speech effectively . You'll find two additional types of speech endings with examples.

Write and test

Write your ending and test it out loud. Try it out on a friend, or two. Is it good? Does it work?

Step 7: The introduction

Once you've got the filling (main ideas) the linking and the ending in place, it's time to focus on the introduction.

The introduction comes last as it's the most important part of your speech. This is the bit that either has people sitting up alert or slumped and waiting for you to end. It's the tone setter!

What makes a great speech opening?

Ideally you want an opening that makes listening to you the only thing the 'Joes' in the audience want to do.

You want them to forget they're hungry or that their chair is hard or that their bills need paying.

The way to do that is to capture their interest straight away. You do this with a "hook".

Hooks to catch your audience's attention

Hooks come in as many forms as there are speeches and audiences. Your task is work out what specific hook is needed to catch your audience.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech?

Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do, and, or take away, as a result of listening to you?

Next think about the imaginary or real person you wrote for when you were focusing on your main ideas.

Choosing the best hook

• Is it humor?
• Would shock tactics work?
• Is it a rhetorical question?
• Is it formality or informality?
• Is it an outline or overview of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?
• Or is it a mix of all these elements?

A hook example

Here's an example from a fictional political speech. The speaker is lobbying for votes. His audience are predominately workers whose future's are not secure.

"How's your imagination this morning? Good? (Pause for response from audience) Great, I'm glad. Because we're going to put it to work starting right now.

I want you to see your future. What does it look like? Are you happy? Is everything as you want it to be? No? Let's change that. We could do it. And we could do it today.

At the end of this speech you're going to be given the opportunity to change your world, for a better one ...

No, I'm not a magician. Or a simpleton with big ideas and precious little commonsense. I'm an ordinary man, just like you. And I have a plan to share!"

And then our speaker is off into his main points supported by examples. The end, which he has already foreshadowed in his opening, is the call to vote for him.

Prepare several hooks

Experiment with several openings until you've found the one that serves your audience, your subject matter and your purpose best.

For many more examples of speech openings go to: how to write a speech introduction . You'll find 12 of the very best ways to start a speech.

That completes the initial seven steps towards writing your speech. If you've followed them all the way through, congratulations, you now have the text of your speech!

Although you might have the words, you're still a couple of steps away from being ready to deliver them. Both of them are essential if you want the very best outcome possible. They are below. Please take them.

Step 8: Checking content and timing

This step pulls everything together.

Check once, check twice, check three times & then once more!

Go through your speech really carefully.

On the first read through check you've got your main points in their correct order with supporting material, plus an effective introduction and ending.

On the second read through check the linking passages or transitions making sure they are clear and easily followed.

On the third reading check your sentence structure, language use and tone.

Double, triple check the timing

Now go though once more.

This time read it aloud slowly and time yourself.

If it's too long for the time allowance you've been given make the necessary cuts.

Start by looking at your examples rather than the main ideas themselves. If you've used several examples to illustrate one principal idea, cut the least important out.

Also look to see if you've repeated yourself unnecessarily or, gone off track. If it's not relevant, cut it.

Repeat the process, condensing until your speech fits the required length, preferably coming in just under your time limit.

You can also find out how approximately long it will take you to say the words you have by using this very handy words to minutes converter . It's an excellent tool, one I frequently use. While it can't give you a precise time, it does provide a reasonable estimate.

Step 9: Rehearsing your speech

And NOW you are finished with writing the speech, and are ready for REHEARSAL .

Please don't be tempted to skip this step. It is not an extra thrown in for good measure. It's essential.

The "not-so-secret" secret of successful speeches combines good writing with practice, practice and then, practicing some more.

Go to how to practice public speaking and you'll find rehearsal techniques and suggestions to boost your speech delivery from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist

Before you begin writing you need:.

• Your speech OUTLINE with your main ideas ranked in the order you're going to present them. (If you haven't done one complete this 4 step sample speech outline . It will make the writing process much easier.)
• Your RESEARCH
• You also need to know WHO you're speaking to, the PURPOSE of the speech and HOW long you're speaking for

The basic format

• the body where you present your main ideas

Split your time allowance so that you spend approximately 70% on the body and 15% each on the introduction and ending.

How to write the speech

• Write your main ideas out incorporating your examples and research
• Link them together making sure each flows in a smooth, logical progression
• Write your ending, summarizing your main ideas briefly and end with a call for action
• Write your introduction considering the 'hook' you're going to use to get your audience listening
• An often quoted saying to explain the process is: Tell them what you're going to tell them (Introduction) Tell them (Body of your speech - the main ideas plus examples) Tell them what you told them (The ending)

TEST before presenting. Read aloud several times to check the flow of material, the suitability of language and the timing.

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How to Write an Icebreaker Speech

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 482,507 times.

An icebreaker speech is any kind of speech that introduces yourself to an audience. You can give an icebreaker speech in a lot of different contexts: when you're accepting an award, toasting a couple at their wedding, or making a business pitch. Choosing the topic of your icebreaker, carefully drafting and editing your speech, and practicing it before you give it can help you write a successful icebreaker speech.

Icebreaker Speech Template and Example

Choosing the Topic of Your Icebreaker

• For example, if you're accepting an award, you'll want to introduce yourself to the audience. A chronological account of your life tells your audience where and when you were born, the first memory you can remember, and where you went to college.

• For example, if you're giving your speech at a business meeting, you might want to focus on your most impressive business-related accomplishments.
• If you're giving your speech in an academic setting, you might want to highlight your academic accomplishments, including degrees and certifications.

• For instance, if you are a veterinarian , you might talk about your first pet, your first job caring for animals, your decision to become a veterinarian, your current practice and your current pets.
• This is also a great approach if you're writing a wedding toast. Focus on your friendship with the couple (or just one of them) and how it has influenced your life over time.

• For example, if you're a surgeon , you might talk about your most difficult case and how it led you to pioneer a new technique. If you're a military veteran, you might talk about being in combat and how it changed you.

Drafting Your Icebreaker

• 1 Brainstorm what you want to say. Now that you have an idea of a topic, write down everything you want to include in your speech. Be sure to introduce yourself first. Organize the information chronologically as you plan to say it, then go through and cut out any unnecessary or irrelevant information.

• For example, if you're giving your speech at a business gathering, you could start with a quote from the company's founder.
• If you're giving a wedding toast, it's generally best not to joke—what you think is funny can sometimes come across as mean or embarrassing to the couple getting married.

• For example, if you're giving a speech that focuses on when you became a doctor as a key moment in your life, your first body paragraph might talk about how you liked helping people as a kid, the second paragraph might talk about your decision to go to medical school, and the last paragraph might talk about what it felt the first time someone called you “doctor.”

• For example, if your icebreaker speech has been about how you became a doctor, you could end by saying something like "Little girls who help clean up their friends' 'booboos' on the playground grow up to be doctors. Thank you so much for having me. Have a great day."
• You could also say something like "If you want to be a doctor, remember that there is nothing more important than a passion for helping people and a commitment to hard work."

Preparing for Your Icebreaker

• You don't have to memorize the speech, but it should be clear that you know what's coming next while you're speaking.

Community Q&A

• Don't forget to introduce yourself! This seems like the most obvious thing to include in your speech, but a lot of people forget when they're nervous. Your audience needs to know who you are! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://virtualspeech.com/blog/tell-story-delivering-presentation
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/topical-organization/
• ↑ https://icebreakerideas.com/writing-icebreaker-speech/
• ↑ http://toastmastersd17.org/resource/icebreaker-speeches/

About This Article

To write an icebreaker speech, start by choosing a topic, which could be a chronological account of your life. Then, brainstorm all the points you want to make in your speech, keeping in mind that the speech shouldn't be longer than 4 to 6 minutes. You should begin with an introduction where you introduce yourself to the audience and include a fun quote or joke you can relate to so you grab their attention. Then, write 3-5 body paragraphs based around the theme of your speech. Finish with a 30-second conclusion where you thank the event's organizer and sum up your main theme. For tips on how to prepare to give your icebreaker speech, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Talk About Yourself (+ 12 Good Things To Say)

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“So, tell me about yourself…”

Is there a more dreaded question out there?

Other than your grandparents repeatedly asking if you’ve met anyone nice, that is!

It can be really hard to talk about yourself without accidentally sounding pretentious or arrogant, but you also don’t want to do yourself down.

Whether you’re in a job interview, on a first date, or meeting new people at a party, we’ve got some tips on how to master the ‘humble brag’…

1. Keep it short and snappy.

Interesting as you probably are, nobody expects an essay as a response.

While people are genuinely keen to find out more about you, they want to know the concise version of your personality… to start with, at least.

In an interview, for example, your answers should be snappy and to the point – most potential employers want to know that you can condense information down to the most important bits.

If you’re meeting new people, conversations tend to follow a certain pattern. Although there is so much more going on in your life, people generally want to know what your job is within three seconds of meeting you.

We know, we know – our jobs don’t define us, but they do help others make snap judgements, and that’s what a lot of introductory conversations are about.

By responding relatively speedily in this kind of situation, you’ll be able to identify a potential bond early on.

You can ask questions too, of course, meaning you’ve got a fast-track ticket to finding out a lot about each other in a short space of time.

After a few minutes of back-and-forth, you’ll both know if you want to carry on the conversation and get into more detail.

Think of it like speed-dating – you give lots of short, punchy titbits early on to interest and engage each other, and then decide whether to get a second drink and divulge more information.

Example – on a first date, mention where you live, what your job is, and one of your hobbies. These three punchy statements will probably answer the next few questions the other person had, and you’ll be on the way to establishing some common ground.

2. Be honest – you’ll appreciate this later, trust us!

There is no point lying or embellishing your interests or achievements.

Take our word for it.

From personal experience, there is nothing more excruciatingly painful than having your brand new boss ask about something you pretended to be really interested it…

…the results of last night’s game? Not a clue, but they’ll assume you know as you were so passionate about it in your interview.

Equally, saying that you can speak a foreign language when you can’t may look impressive on a CV, but will look pretty silly in a meeting when you struggle to remember your GCSE Spanish. Not a great move!

Remember that episode of Friends where Joey says he can speak French and tap dance? Didn’t work out so well. If you can down a gallon of milk in under a minute, though, go for it…

This works with friendships and relationships, too. It might feel good to agree with someone on a certain hobby or job role, but, by pretending, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous situation.

You’ll become so worried about slipping up and revealing that you told a white lie that you’ll stop enjoying any interactions with that person.

Try to remember that you’re great as you are and that you can be honest about what you do, as well as what you don’t do.

There’s nothing wrong with not agreeing with someone, and not every hobby is going to be shared. If you’re not interested in the same initial thing, keep going and find a different, common ground. There’ll be one in there somewhere!

Example – reveal a secret, interesting fact about yourself or just go for something genuine, like being able to speak a foreign language or touch-type. It might not seem thrilling to you, but it might just spark a great conversation.

3. Engage and respond (appropriately!)

If someone has mentioned that they enjoy something you also enjoy, this is a really easy way to talk about yourself without bragging.

It will help you engage the person you’re speaking with, they’ll be able to relate to you more, and the conversation will feel much more natural.

On a first date, for example, finding common ground can be a huge relief compared to those stretches of awkward silence.

By sharing your passion for something, you’ll appear way more ‘human’ and are likely to have a genuine connection.

If you’re in an interview, it’s always great for the employer to feel like they’d actually get on with you on a day-to-day basis.

We’re all capable of being professional when we need to, so the human touch is really important and shows that you’re an authentic, interesting person that they’ll actually talk to.

By responding and interacting more, you open yourself up as a person and come across as genuine, which can only ever be a good thing.

Make sure you’re appropriate in an interview, of course. Going out and drinking every weekend may be a hobby of yours, and of theirs(!), but you don’t need to bring that up.

Focus on your love of the French language, passion for rock-climbing, or weekly trip to the local library. Much safer.

Example – tell them that you also love going to farmers’ markets at the weekend and start a conversation about one you’ve been to locally. Who knows, you might even end up going to one together some day…

4. Be confident – or pretend to be!

You know yourself better than anyone, and you’re in a great position to present yourself in the best possible light.

Whether it’s an interview or a date, you’re starting with a blank slate, which means that all anyone will know about you is what you tell them and how you tell it.

Being confident is a challenge for a lot of people. Try to remind yourself that whoever you’re talking to doesn’t know you, so they won’t know that you’re actually shy and hate speaking to strangers.

If you pretend to be confident, they’ll just assume that you are. We know it’s not quite that easy, which is why we’d suggest that practice makes perfect.

Your loved ones will always be there to offer support, so why not run through a few mock interviews with them? The more you become used to talking about yourself in this way, the more genuine confidence will build up. It feels quite silly at first, but it’ll really pay off.

This whole article is about helping you feel comfortable and confident in talking about yourself. The fact that we’ve written it shows just how much of an issue it can be for a lot of us, so try to take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone.

Like we said – fake it till you make it. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you’ll settle into your new role as an outgoing individual and while it may not become second nature, you’ll be able to pull it off when required.

Example – don’t hold back, be bold with what you’re saying. Your loved ones are interested when you talk because they know you – those who don’t are interested because they want to know you, so try to remember that.

5. Accept potential judgement.

We’d love to tell you that nobody is judging you, but it may not be true. What we will tell you, however, is that it doesn’t matter.

Sure, people will make snap judgements , but there is no point in worrying what they might be. You just need to accept that this will happen and remind yourself that it’s not always a negative thing.

A snap judgement could be, “Wow, firm handshake!” or, “Oh okay, I love playing tennis as well, that’s great” – it doesn’t always need to be what the voice in your head is suggesting.

If you focus too much on what people may or may not be thinking, you’ll completely lose yourself and you’ll forget how to just be you .

Remember that whoever you’re talking to wants to find out more about you, whether it’s for a job or as a new friend. If they judge and they don’t like you , it’s just not the right match.

Remember that whatever happens, you’ll be fine – if you don’t get a job offer from that boss you felt was judging you, it’s for the best. Would you really want to work for someone who you felt was constantly looking down on you?

The guy you had a date with might have thought your hobbies were lame, so you’ve had a lucky escape by avoiding a second date. Things would never really work out if you have such differing opinions on things that matter so much to you.

If you try to start new interactions with this mindset, you’ll worry so much less about the outcome and be able to focus on just being your wonderful self. Odds are, everything will work out much better in the end anyway.

Example – say what you want and ignore your own anxiety around what others might think .

6. Prepare something in advance.

If you’re feeling nervous about any new interactions, planning is one of the best ways to eradicate those anxieties.

Write down a list of things of things you do at the moment – run through your daily routine and your weekend activities over the past few months. Think about the things you do and the things that you enjoy, and remember that these can be very different!

If you’re struggling, ask your loved ones what they think of when they think of you. This might help trigger some memories of what you’ve been up to. It can be really hard to remember our hobbies when we’re put on the spot, and recalling what we had for breakfast is hard enough some days!

Make another list of things you’d like to be doing with your life. This is probably quite different to what most of us actually do.

Talking about yourself doesn’t just need to be arbitrary facts about your everyday life. Someone’s future plans and interests can be really engaging, and it’s always nice to hear about the direction people are trying to steer their lives in.

Mentioning that you want to up and travel the world isn’t the best thing to say in a job interview, but it’ll spark off a great conversation with a date or new friend.

Talk about your wishes to join a dance club or start swimming again. These kinds of things might not be that interesting to you because you’re not actually doing them yet, but they’ll help give people more of an impression of your personality.

Someone who introduces themselves as a banker might not seem instantly fascinating, but their future goal to skydive across Australia? Pretty cool and definitely conversation-worthy.

By preparing yourself for this type of question, you’ll go into social situations feeling much more confident.

Example – mention what you did a few weekends ago – they don’t need to know that you’ve been planning your answer since then! You can talk about future plans, too, and run through a list you’ve already made of your life goals.

You may also like (article continues below):

• 250 Words To Describe Yourself: Find Your Perfect Adjectives
• The Socially Awkward Person’s Guide To Dating
• How To Think Before You Speak
• 8 Ways Men And Women Communicate Differently
• How To Sound Smart And Speak More Eloquently
• 13 Reasons Why People Don’t Listen To You

7. Reverse the question.

If you feel like you need a few minutes to regroup after this kind of question, give a little bit of information and then put the question back to them.

It won’t come across as ‘weak’ and they won’t know that you’re partially doing it to deflect attention. You’ll come across as invested and genuinely interested in whatever the situation is.

If you’re on a date or meeting someone new, the other person will feel flattered that you’re paying them attention and seem to really care. You’ll also find out some new information about that person, which is always exciting.

In an interview, you’re allowed to ask questions! Just because you’re the one in the hot seat, doesn’t mean you can’t reverse the system and ask a few questions.

Make sure they’re relevant and appropriate (don’t ask about the salary!), but try to feel comfortable exploring a bit more. You’re more than entitled to ask more about the role, or about whoever your departmental manager will be.

Show that you’ve done your research by asking what the interviewer’s reaction to X or Y was – they’ll be impressed that you’re aware of what’s going on in their work-world and will appreciate the opportunity to bond.

It also shows that you’re interesting, switched on and want to be engaged in the business.

Example – ask them what they’re expecting from you as an employee or how they find working in the team.

8. Don’t be scared of talking yourself up…

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and your achievements.

Be careful with how you’re wording this kind of thing (we’ll go into that next!), but don’t feel as though you can’t celebrate yourself and your achievements.

In an interview, it’s good to talk about positive impacts you’ve had on businesses in the past. You’ll probably have written your achievements on your CV anyway; this is just giving you the opportunity to go into more detail and add a personality to the words.

If you’re meeting a new friend or potential date, it’s always good to be confident. Don’t be arrogant, of course, but feel free to talk positively about yourself. Stories are always so much more interesting when the person telling them is genuinely interested in what they’re saying!

Talk about the things you enjoy with passion – it will say a lot about you. Speak with pride about the things you’ve accomplished, as this shows that you have respect for yourself and understand your worth.

That’s such an important quality in many ways. People who shy away from celebrating their own successes may appear very insecure or unsure – this is obviously fine, but it may not be an accurate representation of your personality.

Try to work on speaking openly about the things you’re good at – you can practice on your loved ones as you know that they’ll be supportive of you and join in with talking you up!

Example – don’t hold back from opening up about some interesting and exciting things you’ve done. Interviews are a space for you to talk about your accomplishments so don’t shy away from talking about your successful moments!

9. …But don’t talk yourself up too much!

Making yourself sound like a great person (which you obviously are!) is absolutely fine. Going overboard and coming across as a bit brash? Not so great.

There’s a fine line between pride and arrogance, and we’ve got some tips on how to stay on the right side of that line.

If you’re in an interview, talking about your accomplishments is key. It’s really important to talk about times you’ve worked and performed really well, but make sure you’re telling the full story.

One of your biggest achievements may have been when you were working as part of a team. Don’t discredit this as an example just because it doesn’t reference you doing something alone! Doing things incredibly well while working alongside others is still doing things incredibly well.

Reference your co-workers where needed – taking solo credit for a group effort could very easily blow up in your face later on if it’s discovered that the work you did involved other people.

Being able to recognize your own efforts as well as your ability to work with others is great and employers really like hearing that people are versatile.

This may actually make you feel more comfortable in talking about yourself as well – you can reference your contributions within a team, so there’s less pressure to just talk solidly about yourself.

If you’re on a date or meeting new people, staying a little bit humble is probably a good idea, at least to start with.

Imagine how you’d feel if you met someone new and all they spoke about was how brilliant they are, how good at their job they are, and the expensive car they just bought themselves.

By all means, as we’ve suggested, be confident when sharing things about yourself, but remember that conversations go both ways.

Keep the other person involved by inviting opinion and asking questions back, not just talking yourself up the whole time!

You’ll find this kind of thing much easier the more you talk to new people, don’t worry – it’s not as tricky as it sounds.

Example – mention the team you’ve been working within when talking about work successes. This shows that you’re not selfish when it comes to taking credit for hard work, but that you also have self-respect and understand the importance of your contributions.

10. Keep it casual.

Even if you’ve planned out what you’re going to say to the nth degree, try to act casual.

It’s great that you’re prepared, but people may find it a bit strange if you seem to be reading from a mental script.

Going over what you want to say is great, as we’ve mentioned, but try to keep things loose and casual when you speak.

By the time your interaction (interview, date, party etc.) comes up, you’ll have been over your ideas so many times that they’ll feel like second nature. This means that you’ll know your ‘topic’ inside and out and the words will just flow.

Trust that this will happen and try to relax. If you’re already a naturally nervous person , this can be really tricky. Remind yourself that you’ve rehearsed, as it were, and you’re now ready to ad-lib based on your knowledge.

People will understand if you take a few moments to respond to a question, especially a big meaty one like this!

Interviewers will actually be expecting you to take a pause here. They’ll want you to be prepared but they won’t want it to feel thoroughly choreographed. Take it slowly, breathe and try and be as natural as you can.

Example – write yourself a script if you need to, then convert it to flashcards. That way, you’ll learn the key points rather than the order of words in a sentence. This will help you talk naturally and you’ll remember the prompts rather than reciting what you planned word for word!

11. Back yourself up.

If you’re going to an interview, some props can really work in your favor. Portfolios can be fantastic for a lot of jobs and statistics are a great way to back up what you’re saying about yourself.

If you’re talking about the clients you converted to sponsors, or the extra sales you achieved by working with another company, bring the figures to explain it.

Talking about yourself in this kind of sense can be quite tricky – no matter how convincing you are, a lot of people want to see some evidence to back it up. Saying that you’ve done things is a good start, but being able to prove it on paper (or laptop!) really packs a punch.

Make sure you’re fully prepared going into this kind of thing. You don’t want to give a presentation, but you do want to ensure you’ve got the right documents with you and that you’re on the right track.

Think of the best way to present your data and tailor that to the company you’re interviewing with. If you’re applying for a creative role, reflect that aspect of the job in your documents. If it’s more of a straight-laced company, go old-fashioned and show off a pie chart or graph.

Go over things with someone you trust before you go into the interview. They’ll be able to sense-check what you’re doing and point out any glaring errors you’re making.

They’ll give you a confidence boost and help you figure out the order you should present things in. The rest is down to you.

Example – your involvement in a company’s marketing campaign increased sales by X%, so show that off with a pie chart or, if it’s appropriate, creative infographic.

12. Be consistent.

This mainly applies to job interviews – keep what you’re saying relevant to your CV.

If you randomly remember something in your interview that you didn’t put on your CV, bringing it up is fine! But try to stick to what you’ve already submitted.

The interviewer was impressed enough with your CV to take you to interview, so they’ll want to hear more about what they’ve read there.

Run through your CV again a few times before any interview. This will remind you of the things that are on there and can help you remember why you included them.

Recalling dates can be tricky at times, especially when you’re feeling stressed or nervous. Being inconsistent with this type of thing will really stand out, however, and the panic you’ll then feel will be horrible.

If someone questions something on your CV, try to stay calm and run back through your mental notes. If you’re really stuck, try to make a joke about it or ask a question in return, like “Sorry, what do you mean by that?” or something to buy you time and help you clarify what it is you should be saying!

This really links in to everything we’ve been saying above and ties it all together. Be honest and you’ll be able to stick to the same story – because it’s true!

By planning beforehand, you’ll know exactly what you want to talk about and you’ll be talking the interviewer through your CV, essentially.

If the interaction is more casual, with a date or new friend, this still applies…

…you’ll instantly appear trustworthy if you’re consistent. People who are all over the place can come across as flaky or slightly suspicious.

We’re not saying that you have to stick to just one topic of conversation, however. Talk about yourself and the various things you’ve done with your life, but stay consistent to yourself.

Example – if you’ve written that you worked at your last job from 2013 – 2017, make sure this is what you’re saying. As soon as you deviate from something you previously wrote/ said, you give the interviewer a chance to doubt you.

So, now that we’ve run through these easy ways to talk about yourself, there’s just one thing left to do – practice!

You can read about it as much as humanly possible, but the steps aren’t going to make real sense unless you start putting them into motion.

Talking about yourself can feel very intimidating at first, even though you know yourself better than anyone else. The more you’re exposed to these types of interactions, the sooner you’ll find a way that works best for you so that can feel truly comfortable and confident.

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About The Author

Lucy is a travel and wellness writer currently based in Gili Air, a tiny Indonesian island. After over a year of traveling, she’s settled in paradise and spends her days wandering around barefoot, practicing yoga and exploring new ways to work on her wellbeing.

• Presentation Design

How to Introduce Yourself in a Speech or Presentation in 10 Steps

You only have one chance to make a great first impression, and you need to know how to introduce yourself in a speech or presentation! Having an outstanding introduction will help you break the ice and generate interest in your audience.

10 tips on how to introduce yourself in a speech:

1. conduct mock rehearsals with colleagues and friends..

Give your presentation or speech to an unbiased friend or colleague. After is over, ask them to write down 2-3 facts from your introduction. Look over your feedback and determine if your key points stand out within the first 30-60 seconds of your presentation. Was it easy for another person to recall everything you touched on? If not, how can you make your introduction more straightforward and memorable?

2. Listen to how a friend or colleague would introduce you and take notes.

If you're struggling to figure out how to introduce yourself, ask an unbiased friend or colleague to tell you how they would introduce you. Listen to the positive qualities, accomplishments, and stories your friend or colleague has to say about you and see how you can incorporate their comments into your introduction.

3. Enlist someone else to introduce you.

If you have a serious case of stage fright, your conference organizer may be able to find someone else to introduce you. Plan ahead and ask several weeks in advance for their assistance. Work closely with the individual who is introducing you to ensure your introduction has a personalized touch. Look over the final copy before your presentation to confirm everything about your background is accurate.

4. Keep it short and sweet.

Remember: your introduction shouldn't be your life story or read like an autobiography! The best way to introduce yourself is to keep it short and succinct. Introductions that ramble on without a definitive focus will leave your audience restless and uninterested. Listing every accomplishment, client, and credential under your belt sounds dry, and no one likes humble bragging. Make a list of your accomplishments and choose only the several that you're most proud of to include in your intro. Outdated accomplishments and client connections, no matter how impressive, should be excluded.

“Remember: your introduction shouldn’t be your life story or read like an autobiography!

5. Get small audiences actively involved.

Entering a presentation and seeing a tired or uninterested audience can be anxiety inducing. This can be especially problematic in small or informal settings, where this technique works best . A quick way to get your audience awake and invested in your presentation is to introduce yourself and then prompt audience members to introduce themselves and state a question, concern, or idea related to your presentation topic. For example: if you're delivering a presentation about customer service software, ask your audience members to introduce themselves with their name, a fun fact, and a situation where they've had a particularly amazing (or terrible) customer service experience. This brings clarity and focus to your presentation topic.

6. Include only relevant details in your introduction.

The planning process is key as you determine how to introduce yourself. Printing out a graphic organizer is a simple yet efficient way to determine if your introduction is on point.  Successful introductions are unique, thought provoking, and easy to adapt to different types of presentations. Using a graphic organizer, like a writing web, write the title and description of the presentation you're giving in the center circle; then, use the smaller circles to list personal details and accomplishments relevant only to your presentation topic. For example: even if you work with an important company, if that company's work isn't relevant to your presentation topic, exclude it. Then, brainstorm how you can transform your planner into engaging points.

7. Add additional details and credentials in your handouts.

Accomplishments and credentials that are important to you but may bog down your introduction don't have to be thrown away. Make a basic handout about your presentation that features your name, photograph, contact information and any additional details you want to share with your clients or conference members.

8. Use an interesting hook or humor at the beginning of your presentation.

As you plan out how to introduce yourself, think of a few compelling hooks you can use to get your audience's attention . Humor is one of the easiest ways you can relate to your audience; so is admitting a recent challenge you've faced (that's somehow relevant to your presentation) and discussing how you've grown from it. If you decide using humor is the best way to introduce yourself, avoid taking aim at important conference members or using politically incorrect jokes. Joking around about yourself is a safe way to make people laugh.

9. Organize a smooth transition.

Even if you have a fantastic introduction, your presentation will quickly fall apart if you don't have a transition. Determine how you can create a bridge between your intro and presentation content. Ending your introduction with a nod to one of your favorite clients and a project or conversation relevant to your topic is a good way to create a bridge between your introduction and main content. For example: "[Renowned client] is one of my best clients. Just last week, we were discussing how…[lead into presentation content]."

10. If you make a mistake, keep going!

As you introduce yourself, it's important not to freeze up if you accidentally mispronounce a word, stutter, momentarily forget your lines or feel anxious. If you're suddenly struck with stage fright, take two seconds to inconspicuously take a breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Monitor your breathing and keep your worries in check. While you may feel completely self-conscious about what everyone at your presentation thinks of the way you look and speak, just remember that everyone attending is more interested in the valuable information you have to share rather than how you look sharing it. No one expects you to deliver your presentation, especially your introduction, with total perfection.

Learning how to introduce yourself in a professional, fun and engaging way may seem complex, but it's easier than you think. Self-doubt is one of the biggest roadblocks to successfully delivering an introduction! Believing in yourself will help you radiate confidence and convince your conference members that you're self-assured and know exactly what you're talking about.

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22 Tips to Be More Articulate and Speak More Clearly

Boost your communication skills with these 22 practical tips. Learn to speak clearly, articulate your thoughts effectively, and command any conversation.

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Have you ever tried to make a compelling point in an argument but couldn’t quite express the thoughts in your head? Or had an opportunity to speak to a group but felt like your words were jumbled and mumbly? 

The ability to express ourselves clearly and effectively is fundamental in today’s fast-paced, communication-driven world. And in this guide, we’ll help you become more articulate and clear in your speech.

What Does It Mean to Be Articulate?

To be articulate means that you can clearly, effectively, and coherently express your thoughts and feelings.

The two main components of articulateness are:

• Clarity refers to the ability to express thoughts and ideas concisely and clearly-structured while picking just the right words. When you speak clearly, you are able to translate your inner world to another person in a way they fully understand. They can straightforwardly grasp what you are trying to say without ambiguity or confusion. The opposite here might be a word salad.
• Delivery refers to how clear and comprehensible a person’s voice and body language is. This is when you enunciate your words with punchy clarity and when you use your hands, posture, and the emotional tone of your voice to support what you are sharing. As an example to avoid, think of mumble rap.

Becoming more articulate is a fantastic goal, and if you want to improve your goal-setting skills for other domains of your life, check out this free goodie.

How To Set Better Goals Using Science

Do you set the same goals over and over again? If you’re not achieving your goals – it’s not your fault! Let me show you the science-based goal-setting framework to help you achieve your biggest goals.

Benefits of Being More Articulate

When you start to develop your articulateness, you don’t just talk or write—you connect, influence, and inspire. 

Imagine being able to clearly voice your ideas during a critical work meeting or confidently tell a captivating story at a social gathering. Maybe even persuade your friends to join you on that adventurous hiking trip. Developing articulate speaking patterns is a game-changer for your social connections.

Here are some of the specific benefits of improving your articulation skills.

• Increased understanding: being articulate allows you to express your thoughts and ideas clearly, reducing misunderstandings and promoting effective communication.
• Improved confidence: when you can express yourself effectively, it boosts your self-confidence, helping you feel more comfortable in a variety of situations.
• Improved professional success: in the professional world, being articulate can help you present ideas convincingly, leading to recognition, respect, and potential career advancement.
• Stronger relationships: clear communication, a product of being articulate, enables more meaningful and authentic conversations, which can ultimately strengthen your relationships
• Influence and leadership : articulate individuals are often perceived as leaders because they can convey their vision and ideas convincingly, influencing others and driving change.

Whether you’re gearing up for a big presentation, striving to make a difference in your community, or simply seeking deeper conversations over coffee, becoming more articulate will open new opportunities.

22 Tips to Be More Articulate

Improve your vocabulary.

A robust vocabulary gives you a rich palette of words to precisely express thoughts, emotions, and ideas. The more words you know, the more colors you have to paint with. 

A strong vocabulary allows you to convey complex concepts succinctly and convincingly while improving your credibility.

Remember though, a good vocabulary isn’t just about knowing many words; it’s about using the right word in the right situation. Try some of these tips to develop your vocabulary:

• Read with a dictionary in hand. Whenever you read a book or blog post, try reading with a physical dictionary. Look up every word you don’t know. You’ll quickly notice just how many words you don’t know (there are about 300,000 words in the English language, after all!), and over time, new words will start to sink in.
• Watch a video in Latin. So much of the English language comes from Latin. If you brush up on Latin—even just a video or two—you’ll quickly notice how often Latin roots appear in words. When you encounter a new word, you might spot a Latin root that you can connect to the word instead of a random sound to memorize. For example, the word licentious means “morally unrestrained” and actually derives from the Latin root licentia, meaning “freedom, liberty.” This root also appears in “license,” which is something you obtain that gives you the permission or freedom to do something (e.g., drive a car)—knowing that makes the word much easier to grasp.

3. Use a word of the day. The New York Times is one great resource for your dose of daily diction. When you learn a new word, use it at least five times daily to let it sink in. Word-of-the-day apps can be notoriously hard to stick to. So it might be most effective to commit to learning a word a day for a set amount of time, whether that’s one day or seven days in a row.

Present your ideas clearly

If every time you talk, it comes out like a jumbled ball of spaghetti; it can make it challenging for others to understand what you’re trying to convey.

One way to increase your speaking cogency is to practice writing.

While journaling is an effective practice to open your creative spigot and examine yourself, writing an actual essay (or blog post) forces you to think carefully about which words you choose, the order of your arguments, and how to convey complex thoughts.

Try out this activity.

4. Write a 150-word essay. Try creating a short but compelling argument for any of the following topics:

a) What is the best meal of the day, and why?

b) Who is the most talented musician, and why?

c) If you could re-write the rules of society, what would be the three most important social norms you’d implement and why?

It should take about 10 minutes to write 150 words. But if you want to practice your articulation skills more deeply, try a 500-word essay.

Ditch the filler words

We all rely on filler words and sounds when speaking. Usually, if we’re searching for something to say, we’ll fill the silence with “ums” or “likes.”

And even though it’s commonplace to use these filler words, they can make you come off as unsure or nervous.

It’s tough to stop using filler words, but here’s one way to practice.

5. Record yourself for 3 minutes. Try reflecting on the prompt, “What was 2017 like for you?” Once you finish, listen back to the recording, and notice every time you said “um,” “uh,” “like,” or something similar. 

Do as many reps as you’d like to try to improve!

Enunciate crisply

To speak articulately, it helps to pronounce each word with sharp clarity. And it helps to say each word as its own, not bleeding into the next one.

Here’s one great practice for enunciation borrowed from the freestyle rap community.

6. Read backward. Pick up a book and read a paragraph backward. Try it at different paces. This activity is helpful because you won’t habitually slur one word into the next when the word order doesn’t make sense.

Speak at the right pace

If you talk too fast, people might lose track of what you’re saying, or your words may blend together. When you slow down your pace, you can focus on saying each word clearly. It’s a difficult habit to build, but a slower speaking pace will also ensure that your conversational partner will absorb all of what you are saying. Here are a few tips.

7. 50% Speed with a partner. Grab a friend for this practice. Simply set a three-minute timer, and tell your friend how your day is going. But try to talk at 50% of your normal pace when you’re sharing.

Here are a few more tips to help fast-talkers slow down.

But don’t go too slow! Researchers at The University of Michigan 1 https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/530278 found that the most persuasive speaking pace to convince people to participate in phone studies is 3.5 words per second or 210 words per minute.

If you’re a slow talker and want to speed up, then try the inverse of the activity above.

8. 2x Speed with a partner. Grab a friend for this practice. Simply set a three-minute timer, and tell your friend how your day is going. But when you’re sharing, try to talk at two times your normal pace.

And to either slow down or speed up your pace, you can try this:

9. Read a page. Pick up a book and read a page as clearly as possible—either slower or faster than your normal pace, depending on what you are practicing.

Watch our video below to learn the 6 most commonly mispronounced words:

Barack Obama is known for giving some epic pauses in his speeches. He’ll leave an audience hanging on his every word. Silence creates tension and anticipation. 

Pausing can make you more articulate by giving you time to gather your thoughts and share clearly, while also adding an extra oomph of emphasis to your message.

As a bonus, pausing also communicates confidence. If you’re feeling insecure, you might avoid pausing because you’re afraid that if you pause, someone in the group will lose interest and steal the microphone from you. 

Practicing pausing is a way to practice conversational confidence. Pausing is like wearing a leather jacket—a leather jacket is a bold outfit choice, so donning one forces your confidence to meet the garment. And if you try pausing in your speech, it might similarly bring forth your confidence.

Let’s take a page out of Barack’s book.

10. Practice pausing in a voice memo. Try texting a voice memo to a friend—either about a relevant topic or just that you’re thinking of them. But when you record this voice memo, see if you can insert at least one two-second pause. If you’re not used to it, pausing might feel scary. But just remember that if it works for Obama, it can work for you too.

Find the right pitch

Pitch is the tone of your voice. It can be high, medium, or low. Studies suggest that when your pitch is lower 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3350713/ , people will see you as more of a leader.

That said, some research finds that females with higher-pitched voices 3 https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2010/jul/16/women-high-pitched-voices-men tend to seem more attractive.

What you do with your voice pitch is up to you, but if you choose to go higher or lower, you can bring intention to it.

11. Find your maximum resonance point. We all have a natural range of pitches that our voice can hit, and when we speak in a certain part of our range, it comes off as most comfortable. Check out this article to learn how to find your maximum resonance point.

12. Deepen your range with neck stretches. If you do want to deepen your voice, there are ways to do so. According to the vocal training center My Voice Exercises, neck exercises can deepen the voice by “reducing tensions that are placed on your vocal cords.” Here’s one stretch they advise:

• Slowly rotate your head to the left. Attempt to position your chin above your shoulder.
• Hold for 10 seconds. 
• You can deepen the stretch if you put your left hand on the right side of your jaw and offer gentle pressure
• Relax and repeat the stretch on the right side.

Bolster your speech with your hands

If you want to get your point across clearly, using your body language 4 https://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-016-0004-9 can help people understand you.

The best body language will match what you’re saying and will communicate subconsciously to the other person so that they more easily understand your point. Here are a few body language gestures to try:

13. Emphasize big points. If you’re saying something important and you want to emphasize its significance, try this tip from Columbia University 5 https://sps.columbia.edu/news/five-ways-improve-your-body-language-during-speech#:~:text=Speakers%20should%20avoid%20sweeping%20the,be%20locked%20onto%20someone%20else’s.&text=Plant%20your%20feet%20shoulder%20width,shifting%20from%20side%20to%20side. . Put your hands in front of your face as if you’re holding a large ball, and gesture symmetrically.

14. Speak from the heart. If you want to convey anything emotional or sentimental, simply put your hand over or near your chest.

15. Use your hands to track. If you are comparing two categories, you can use each hand to represent each category. This helps the other person keep track of the associations you’ll build about each category.

Here’s a great video resource below for even more tips about how you can use your hands.

Do a vocal warmup

Warming up your speaking muscles is a great way to get your throat, tongue, and mouth lose and ready for talking.

Acting classes typically teach vocal warmups 6 https://www.masterclass.com/articles/7-acting-warmups-games-and-techniques-for-actors . And it makes sense—athletes warm up before competing, and actors warm up before speaking. If you have an important meeting or conversation where you want to bring your full articulateness, try a warmup exercise. 

16. Untwist that tongue. Tongue twisters are classic vocal warmups. They train your mouth 7 https://www.masterclass.com/articles/11-articulation-exercises-for-actors#3rdaEWwElDqb2rJ4rSkyiR to ensure it clearly spits out the correct sounds. Here are three to try offered by Masterclass . Recite each phrase enough times until you can say it flawlessly.

• Friday’s Five Fresh Fish Specials
• High roller, low roller, lower roller
• I need a box of biscuits, a box of mixed biscuits, and a biscuit mixer.

If you want to go deeper into vocal warmups, check out this video.

Keep refining

The best way to practice is to record yourself speaking in different contexts.

You might take on different speech patterns when you’re speaking into your voice memos app versus when you’re with your boss or in front of a crowd. One of the best ways to improve at anything is through good feedback.

17. Record yourself in different contexts. Whether on Zoom calls, phone calls, presentations, or whatever. If you want to become more articulate, it’s invaluable to hear your speaking patterns—pace, pitch, filler words—so that you can make adjustments. When you listen to a recording, note how you could improve, and then practice that next time.

How To Overcome Nervousness

When you’re nervous, you might forget what you want to say, talk too fast, fidget, take shallow breaths, or generally jumble up whatever you’re trying to say.

Besides writing, I also help make YouTube videos. I was on a call recently with my manager Ben and was feeling quite nervous. And as we closed the call, I said, “Alright! Bee you later, Sen!” 

We both took it in stride, but I was nervous, and it was not my most articulate moment!

The best way to overcome the hurdle of nervousness is through the most classic technique in the book. Breathing.

​​Lucille Schutmaat-Rubin, Ph.D., is a voice and speech coach who offers a powerful step-by-step process 8 https://voicefoundation.org/articles/breathe-and-speak-with-ease/ to calm yourself for speaking. Her process is as follows:

18. Breathing technique to calm nerves before speaking

• Breathe in through your mouth
• Relax the back of your tongue while inhaling to create silent breaths
• Follow the breath into your belly
• Put your hands above and below your navel to feel your breath in your belly
• Vocalize an “AH” on the next few exhales
• Keep up smooth exhaling “AHs” until your throat and belly start to relax
• On your exhale, speak the number 1. Then 1 2. Then 1 2 3. Up to 10. Add one number at a time
• Let your breath’s pace dictate your pace of speech

Places to Practice Your Speaking

As with any skill, you can practice by yourself, but it’s tremendously helpful to practice with a group. 

Here are a few resources you can explore to take your articulateness to the next level.

19. Toastmasters . Toastmasters is an international organization that helps people train in public speaking. There are tons of clubs in every major city. Each club has its own culture, but essentially you’ll meet with a group of people for an hour or two and have a chance to practice both written and spontaneous speeches in front of a group. People will give you feedback on everything from your filler words to your pacing to help you improve.

20. Standup comedy. Another place to practice the art of speaking is standup. Lots of cities have standup classes you can take, where over several weeks, you’ll write bits and perform them in front of your classmates, eventually building up to a performance in front of strangers.

21. Coursera. If you’d like to jump into a deep dive, the University of Washington offers courses on public speaking for free on Coursera . The course promises to help you “diminish your public speaking anxiety” and “leverage rehearsal methods to develop a robust, engaging speaking voice.” 

22. Virtual reality . There are VR programs that give you the experience of talking to a boardroom. If you want to practice your speech in a deliberate format while sparking any public-speech butterflies, try the program Ovation . Can you feel your palms get sweaty just by looking at the image below?

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Frequently Asked Questions About How to Be More Articulate

To train yourself to be more articulate, the best thing you can do is practice with feedback. That might mean recording yourself or going to a group like Toastmasters. When you listen to recordings of yourself, look for areas where you speak too fast, mumble, or say “like” a lot.

You might not be able to articulate what you want to say if it’s a complex idea that you don’t quite understand fully yourself. Often something makes sense in our head, but when we try to explain it, it comes out like gobbledygook. In this case, it can be effective to turn to writing. Try to get your thoughts out on paper in a way that feels complete and makes sense. Then you’ll be able to explain these ideas more readily in conversation. 

You might struggle to articulate your feelings because you lack the proper emotional vocabulary. Gaining emotional clarity of your inner landscape is a notoriously long and challenging journey. To better articulate your feelings, it can help to have more nuanced language for everything you feel. Check out this article, which goes over the feelings wheel, to learn to describe your feelings more accurately.

Three ways to improve your vocabulary are to read with a dictionary in hand so that you can build your word knowledge as you read, to study some basic Latin so that you can more recognize and pick up new words based on their roots, and to practice a word of the day so that you can proactively add more words to your knowledge base.

Takeaways On Becoming Articulate

With all of these tips, you should be on your way to becoming a more articulate speaker. The most important thing is that you practice! If you want to improve your speaking skills, then doing so will take time and effort–and it won’t happen overnight. Just try any of the following:

• Improve your vocabulary. Read with a dictionary, study basic Latin, or try a word of the day to expand your verbal knowledge.
• Present your ideas clearly. Try writing a short essay to improve your clarity on how you present ideas. What’s the best meal of the day and why?
• Ditch filler words. Record yourself giving a speech and find all those “likes” and “ums.”
• Enunciate crisply by reading a paragraph backward.
• Speak at the right pace. If you’re a fast talker, ask a friend to listen to you for three minutes while you talk slowly. Slow talkers do the reverse.
• Hit pause. In your next conversation, try increasing your use of pauses…more than you’re used to.
• Find the right pitch. Record your highest and lowest pitches, and stay in the second to the bottom quarter of your pitch variation.
• Use your hands. Consciously try to match your hand gestures with your talking points.
• Do a vocal warmup —Friday’s Five Fresh Fish Specials.
• Keep refining. Record yourself in as many different speaking contexts as possible, and learn your habits in each situation.
• Overcome nerves before speaking by taking deep breaths, relaxing your throat, and making sounds on your exhale.
• Practice with a group at Toastmasters, a standup comedy class, or a public speaking course.

If you want to go even deeper into mastering your speech, check this article out to learn to speak more confidently.

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10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

• Andrea Wojnicki

Think: present, past, future.

Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the boardroom table. Here is a practical framework you can leverage to introduce yourself with confidence in any context, online or in-person: Present, past, and future. You can customize this framework both for yourself as an individual and for the specific context. Perhaps most importantly, when you use this framework, you will be able to focus on others’ introductions, instead of stewing about what you should say about yourself.

You know the scenario. It could be in an online meeting, or perhaps you are seated around a boardroom table. The meeting leader asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves. Suddenly, your brain goes into hyperdrive. What should I say about myself?

• Andrea Wojnicki , MBA, DBA, is an executive communication coach and founder of Talk About Talk, a multi-media learning resource to help executives improve their communication skills.

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How to Give a Speech: 10 Tips for Powerful Public Speaking

When we start preparing to give a speech, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. It’s completely normal—most of us feel a combination of excitement and nerves when we’re about to take the stage.

However, with some strategic planning and practical advice, you can make sure your speech is powerful and effective. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to give a speech that will leave your audience engaged and inspired.

We’ll examine 10 tips to help you build a powerful speech, from outlining your points methodically to crafting captivating introductions . Whether you’re a beginner or experienced public speaker, these nuggets of wisdom will help you take your next speech to the next level. Let’s get started!

Quick Review of Key Points

Preparing ahead of time is the key to giving an effective speech. Make sure to structure your speaking points, rehearse your delivery, and be aware of the needs of your audience for maximum impact.

How to Prepare for a Speech

Preparing for a speech is an essential step to public speaking success. It can help to build your confidence, create content that reaches the audience, and reduce performance anxiety.

Although it can be time-consuming in the beginning, preparation will ensure less stress and more comfort during delivery. Here are some tips to consider when preparing for a speech:

Practice : Before delivering a speech, practice it out loud several times. This will allow you to gain experience in speaking without an audience and increase your confidence when you do have one.

Practicing also helps to identify awkward moments in the speech or any difficult phrases which then can be changed or removed altogether. Additionally, it helps you determine where to pause for effect. Research : Depending on the topic of the speech , research should be done beforehand to gather information that is relevant and interesting for the audience. It is important to get acquainted with the language typically used by audiences to ensure a clear understanding of what is being said.

Additionally, relevant statistics and stories concerning the topic are a great way to draw in listeners and make the presentation more engaging .

Know Your Audience : When preparing your speech, be sure to consider who will be listening. For instance, if giving a presentation at work, include industry jargon that members would understand and include relevant topics from publications that might be familiar to the employees.

On the other hand, if consulting business professionals in their field then technical language may be easier for them to comprehend than laypeople or students.

By gathering valuable information about the topic and getting comfortable with a speech’s content and delivery through practice, speakers will gain more assurance during their talk as well as respect from their audience.

Preparing beforehand not only gives insight into how to engage listeners but also encourages more meaningful conversations after the event. Now that we have discussed how to prepare for a speech let us move on to creating an outline which will provide structure during delivery.

Create an Outline

After determining the audience and purpose of your speech, the next step to effective public speaking is to create an outline .

An outline serves as a roadmap to ensure that your speech has a logical flow and contains all important points. It also can help keep you on track during the speech itself, allowing you to stay focused and organized.

When constructing an outline, consider drawing up both a main point and sub-points for each portion of the speech. Both should be relevant to the goal of the presentation and backed up by facts and research.

Brainstorming can help in this process; try grouping your ideas together in clusters to make sure you cover all possible angles.

Furthermore, writing out exact quotations or figures can prove beneficial in forming a cohesive argument. At this stage, it is also wise to decide where transitions, humor, stories, or other engaging techniques will be included.

While there are differing opinions as to whether outlines should be memorized or simply used as a reference while speaking, many agree that they should serve their purpose – not only articulate the main thoughts of the speech but also assist the speaker with maintaining focus and preventing distractions.

The debate between those who advocate for memorization versus casual consulting touches upon issues such as rehearsal time, risk of errors in delivery, ease of practice versus actual performance and more.

Each side has valid arguments that should be weighed prior to deciding what type of approach best suits your needs.

Having a firmly constructed outline acts as a valuable tool when it comes time to deliver a powerful public speech. By actively utilizing this tactic, speakers may not only enhance their clarity and coherence, but also add structure and vibrance to their presentations.

Now that we have explored what goes into crafting an effective outline, let’s dive deeper into how we can best collect resources and research our topics for maximum impact.

Collect Sources and Research

Collecting sources and research is a crucial step for any public speaking engagement. It ensures that you have the necessary information to make strong points and back up your statements.

Before writing your speech, take time to research your topic to gain familiarity with different perspectives, facts, and counterpoints. This will help you to craft an argument that can stand up to scrutiny while also adding a breadth of knowledge to your speech.

Interviews can be a powerful source of evidence and anecdotes, so try to include one or two relevant interviews in your research process. Relying solely on secondary sources such as books and articles can lead to a narrow scope of understanding.

Interviews provide an opportunity to hear directly from an expert and create an interesting dynamic in your speech by adding personal experiences as well as commentary from a professional.

In research it is important to stay objective. Gather a variety of perspectives and be open-minded about their merits. Don’t forget to consider both sides of the argument when researching for your speech.

Doing this allows you to understand the opposing perspective and enables you to anticipate potential counter arguments from your audience.

By acknowledging them beforehand, you may increase the persuasive power of your speech by showing confidence in the points you make.

Once you have collected all sources, review them carefully and separate the most pertinent information from the less useful material.

Synthesising this information into concise yet impactful points is a critical part in delivering powerful talks without overloading your audience with too much data or going off track during your speech delivery.

Organizing Your Speech

Before you start putting your words together, it’s important to consider how the different parts of a speech fit together. By taking the time to organize the ideas in your speech , you’ll be able to deliver a presentation that is well-constructed and easy to understand.

One way to help with organizing your speech is to write an outline . An outline is like a map or plan that will provide you with a framework for each section of your speech.

Start by writing out your main points and then include additional details underneath each one. This will help keep your speech focused and provide direction for where you are going next.

Another approach for organizing your speech is known as the “inverted pyramid” method. This structure starts with your conclusion at the beginning of the speech, and then works backward by providing more explanation and detail as it moves toward the introduction.

This method can be helpful when speaking about topics that are unfamiliar to the audience since it doesn’t require them to wait until near the end of the presentation to learn what you’ve been talking about.

No matter which organization approach you choose, make sure to practice it before giving your speech so that you are comfortable with its flow. Lastly, remember that it’s ok to adjust things while you speak if they don’t seem or feel quite right.

Now let’s take a look at how we can use these organizing techniques to actually put our speeches together – starting with structuring our speech.

Structure Your Speech

Creating a strong structure for your speech will ensure that the audience stays engaged and understands your main points. As you are developing an outline, map out how you want to begin and end your speech.

Break up the information into smaller sections with either verbal or visual cues so that your audience can clearly see how you are transitioning between topics . Consider adding humor judiciously throughout your presentation as this could help engage the audience and lighten any tension.

The length of your presentation is also important. You will want to make sure that you include all of the necessary information without going over time.

Oftentimes less is more; if you can say it in five minutes why use ten? Make sure that you practice timed rehearsals so that you can gauge how long you’re actually speaking.

In contrast, avoid trying to pack too much content into one presentation as this could overwhelm both you and the audience. If needed, offer supplemental reading materials for those who may be interested in delving further into the subject matter.

Paragraphs can also be helpful when organizing large amounts of content within the body of your presentation. Utilizing paragraph breaks gives your audience a break and helps to highlight key ideas or summaries before moving onto a new topic area.

Finally, it is crucial to remember what your desired outcome is from the presentation; plan accordingly by ensuring that the beginning, middle, and end serve their respective purposes and adhere to that goal.

With careful deliberations, structuring a successful presentation can be achieved with relative ease.

Having established a solid structure for your speech, it’s important to focus on another key element: rehearsal. The next section will discuss the benefits of practicing before delivering a powerful public speaking performance.

Rehearse Your Speech

Rehearsing is integral to giving a successful speech. When you rehearse your presentation, you give your mind an opportunity to become familiar with the notes and concepts that you are presenting. It also increases your confidence and reduces anxiety or self-doubt.

In fact, studies have found that those who rehearsed their presentation had higher scores in public speaking performance and language proficiency evaluations.

When it comes to how much rehearsal is enough, opinions are divided. Some people believe that over-rehearsing can lead to a more robotic speech with less natural emotion and connection with the audience .

On the other hand, others argue that no matter how well-versed someone is on the topic, additional rehearsal time improves both the delivery of the speech and memorization of key points and facts.

Ultimately, it’s important to practice until you personally find the most comfortable level for yourself, as this will ultimately result in a more engaging delivery.

Finally, if at all possible, try to practice in front of a friend or colleague for honest feedback on any elements that need improvement before the big day. Rehearsal dedication may be tedious, but it results in big rewards on stage–enabling you to deliver your content with clarity, confidence, and poise.

With thoughtful preparation complete, it’s now time to step into the spotlight and give your speech!

Giving Your Speech

The key to success when giving a speech is to be well prepared and confident. Every individual’s preparation process will vary, but the basics should stay the same.

Start by studying your content, understanding the material and being able to repeat it in your own words. Clarify any potentially difficult points. Create visual aids like PowerPoint slides or handouts that supplement the key ideas in your speech.

Practice your public speaking skills with informal conversations with friends and family or rehearse it alone in front of a mirror. Use visualization; imagine yourself confidently delivering your speech. Consider addressing a practice audience if possible to become more accustomed to a live size group.

On the day of the event, arrive early and plan for any potential obstacles: What if my computer doesn’t work? What if I forget something? Allow sufficient time for setup and check-in.

When you are ready to give your speech, take some deep breaths, focus on the positives, and distract yourself from any anxious thoughts with positive affirmations. Remember you have prepared diligently for this moment, you are well prepared and you will succeed!

Start strong by engaging the audience immediately with an attention grabbing opening statement. Speak clearly and make sure that everyone can hear and understand your message.

Slow down and emphasize points as needed throughout your presentation. Be aware of pace, volume, and tone of voice: too fast/monotone can confuse/bore listeners while pauses add a dramatic effect that keeps their interest piqued.

Ultimately, giving a successful speech will depend on knowing your material well enough to speak confidently in front of your audience without hesitation or missteps.

When you do make a mistake (and they happen!) don’t panic – know that mistakes are inevitable but don’t be discouraged; get back on track as soon as possible and continue at the same energy level you had before the mistake occurred.

Having successfully given your speech, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what could be improved upon for next time before transitioning into the next step: mastering delivery.

Master Your Delivery

Mastering your delivery is the key to an effective speech. Without purposeful body language and careful emphasis on certain words , your speech may lack wow-factor and prevent listeners from tuning in. Following these simple tips can help you get started with delivering an engaging and memorable speech:

The most important part of delivery is practice. Rehearse and perfect your speech ahead of time – this allows for more natural flow and confidence during your presentation. It also helps to create pauses between sentences for clarity, emphasize key points, and not be too casual or stiff.

Practicing inflections and varying tones adds interest to your speech by keeping listeners’ attention.

Additionally, it’s important to project your voic e so everyone in the room can hear you; make sure you’re speaking loud enough but don’t feel pressure to shout or yell at any point unless that’s part of the atmosphere of the event.

It’s also crucial to maintain good posture while speaking – stand tall with both feet on the ground, keep your back straight, hold yourself up without gesturing too much or leaning against a podium if applicable.

To further engage listeners, use purposeful hand gestures as they help emphasize certain points and add visual interest – however, avoid overusing them as it can hinders communication.

Make meaningful eye contact with audience members throughout the presentation – otherwise you might come across as unenthusiastic or bored with what you’re saying which deters attention away from the content itself.

By mastering your delivery, you can boost the impact of your presentation considerably – providing a memorable experience for your audience that stands out from others’. As such, it’s worth investing time into practicing ahead of time until delivery feels comfortable and second nature.

Having said this, making use of visual aids such as PowerPoint slides can greatly improve the impact of a speech once delivery has been mastered – let’s look into that next.

Use Visual Aids

Using visual aids can help presenters express concepts more clearly and engage the audience.

Visuals are particularly useful when conveying complex information, such as data, trends, or statistics — they impart meaning at a glance. But some public speakers may wonder if visual aids can be distracting or unnecessary.

Even though visuals can attract attention away from a presenter’s verbal delivery, carefully designed visuals can actually support the speech and help provide clarity. If done well, visuals are effective for capturing an audience’s interest and helping them to better understand the content being presented.

For example, a graph or chart should relate to the points made in the speech and should be discussed in more detail during its appearance onscreen. The presentation can also include larger images that effectively reinforce the ideas conveyed in the speech.

Videos and sound clips are other powerful forms of multimedia that could be employed to make the speech more meaningful.

To ensure that visuals enhance the message of the presentation, key factors to consider include relevancy to topic, good graphic design or aesthetics, accurate size to prevent distortion or blurriness, and seamless integration into the keynote slides or printed handouts .

In this way, visuals offer an opportunity for presenters to demonstrate their creativity and keep their audiences interested in what is being said. Thus, used wisely and aptly, visuals can add tremendous value to speeches by presenting arguments more efficiently and driving home important points. Now let’s explore effective techniques for speech giving that will allow you to craft and deliver your speeches with confidence.

Effective Techniques for Speech Giving

There are a number of effective techniques for giving a speech that will help you deliver it with confidence and poise.

First, practice your delivery in advance. You should practice both in front of a mirror or recording device to check for any distracting habits such as talking too quickly or mispronouncing words.

Second, use simple, clear language and short, concise sentences. Avoid overly technical terms and jargon that may leave your audience confused.

Third, work to establish a connection with your audience by using appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures while speaking.

Fourth, utilize effective persuasive techniques such as presenting evidence, strong arguments supported by facts, personal anecdotes and vivid metaphors.

Finally, articulate an organized structure for your speech. Your speech should have an introduction, body and conclusion to clearly communicate the main point and provide the audience with the necessary context to understand it better.

While these techniques may sound intimidating at first, they can be learned over time with practice and will make all the difference in how successful your speech delivery is received by your audience.

To build on these skills further , the next section will provide tips on how to build confidence when giving a speech.

Building Confidence

Building confidence is key when giving a powerful speech, as it will enable you to deliver the speech in a more poised and credible manner.

To create this confidence , start by understanding that any hesitation or butterflies prior to your speech are completely normal and should not be feared. Instead, view them as natural states of anticipation for something exciting, knowing that you are about to give an amazing speech.

Next, understanding who your audience is and tailoring your speech to meet their expectations will help build your confidence.

Familiarizing yourself with their interests and knowledge on the subject matter ahead of time can equip you with the understanding needed to respond appropriately if questions arise or objections surface during the speech.

Further, practice is key when building confidence for a public speaking engagement . Rehearsing with friends or colleagues before hand will give you an opportunity to learn where problem areas are within the content of your speech, as well as help solidify your delivery by becoming more comfortable with each step.

Checking sound levels in the room you’re presenting in coupled with learning where exits/emergency locations are located within that space can also help alleviate stress levels and boost self-assurance while delivering the speech.

Finally, wearing comfortable clothing and dressing professionally adds an extra layer of confidence when speaking in public.

If possible, bring an additional outfit on hand during the presentation in case of spills or accidents that would require a quick change between sections of the talk. Having this back-up plan in place can aid in keeping peace of mind at ease throughout the speech.

In conclusion, building confidence prior to a public speaking event can mean the difference between a good and great delivery of your message.

By taking into account each of these tips you can ensure that this part of your preparation runs smoothly and sets you up for success when delivering powerful speeches.

With a well-crafted note card of talking points and strong sense of self-assurance, it’s time to start speaking with passion!

Speaking with Passion

As a public speaker, your audience expects you to engage not only with your words but also with your emotions. To share the most impactful message, it is important to speak passionately about your subject.

Doing so will make your speech more memorable and thereby more effective in convincing your audience of its legitimacy.

The power of speaking authentically with emotion lies in its relatability and connection. Showing feelings allows people to connect with you as a person rather than just a speaker. It opens the door to understanding through empathy and active listening .

Examples might include adding personal stories , telling jokes, or displaying your feelings openly during the delivery of your message.

However, not all topics lend themselves easily to expressing emotion. If the subject matter is overly complex or technical there may be less opportunity for emotional expression—but this doesn’t mean those conversations can’t incorporate emotion.

Even if faced with a difficult situation such as death or financial turmoil, emotions can still be conveyed in a respectful way that keeps audiences engaged.

Remember that how much emotion you show depends on the type of audience you’re sharing it with—using sensitivity when delivering passionate speeches helps avoid awkwardness or embarrassment for any attendees who may find opinionated language uncomfortable for whatever reason.

Striking the right balance between being straightforward and showing compassion takes practice, so take the time to develop a style that works best for you and improves upon each performance.

Finally, incorporating passion into a speech gives it life and makes it relatable and engaging—which are essential elements to speaking effectively.

Having passion means giving ourselves permission to take ownership over our stories, making them deeply personal in order to reach our goals and touch people’s hearts in meaningful ways. With that said, let’s move on to discussing how we should tackle dealing with challenges while giving a speech.

Dealing with Challenges

The process of delivering a speech can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Difficulties can arise during the process that may threaten to derail your success. To ensure you are adequately prepared for these possible pitfalls it is important to consider strategies for proactively mitigating the risk of encountering these challenges. 1. Public Speaking Anxiety: Many people experience some form of anxiety when asked to speak in public. There are a number of techniques available to combat this fear and increase confidence, such as deep breathing exercises, mental rehearsal, positive self-talk and visualization of success.

Learning about the audience, creating an engaging presentation and using props or visual aids can also help reduce anxiety levels and create a better overall experience for both the speaker and the audience. 2. Unfamiliar Topics or Audiences: When presenting on unfamiliar topics or to an unknown audience it can be difficult to prepare effectively.

In this situation it is important to conduct research on the topic and familiarize yourself with the needs of your audience so that the content is tailored accordingly. It is also helpful to use humor or stories related to the topic in order to engage your audience and make them more receptive to your message. 3. Lack of Support: If you lack support from family, friends, colleagues or mentors, it can be difficult to push through difficult conversations or speeches without any additional motivation.

To overcome this challenge, seek out peer mentorship opportunities or find compatible online communities where people discuss similar topics or objectives. Here you can share ideas, provide feedback and learn from others who have experienced similar issues. 4. Time Constraints: One of the biggest challenges when giving a speech is managing your time effectively in order to deliver an effective message without going over allotted timeslots and boring your audience .

To successfully address this challenge try setting manageable goals for each section of your speech and practice regularly. Replicating real-time conditions as closely as possible will help you stay within time constraints when delivering your speech on the day itself. In conclusion, there are many potential challenges you may face when giving a speech or taking part in a public speaking event – but with proper preparation and practice they are easily managed if approached correctly.

With knowledge of techniques for dealing with such scenarios comes increased confidence when stepping up to the podium – further improving your chances of delivering an effective speech that resonates with your audience members.

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

How should i end my speech to leave a lasting impression.

The best way to end your speech is by reinforcing your main point and summarizing the key takeaways. You should also encourage the audience to take action, whether it be to sign up for a newsletter, make a donation, or visit your website for more information. This final call to action will not only leave a lasting impression on the audience but will also help you achieve any goals you might have had when making your speech in the first place.

What techniques can I use to keep my audience engaged during my speech?

One of the best techniques for keeping an audience engaged during a speech is to keep it interactive . Ask questions throughout the presentation, as well as allowing for audience input and discussion. This can help to keep people’s attention and create a more engaging experience.

Another great tip is to use humor. Even if you don’t consider yourself a natural comedian, sprinkling in a few jokes here and there can break up the monotony of long speeches and keep people interested. Humor can also help to make points stick in people’s minds, making them easier to remember.

Finally, try to be enthusiastic about the content of your speech. If you show too much indifference or lethargic behavior, it will discourage your audience from paying attention and taking your message seriously.

Instead, be passionate about what you are saying so that the energy of your words carries into the room and engages your audience with excitement.

How can I use storytelling to make my speech more interesting?

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to make any speech more interesting. Telling stories in your speech will help engage the audience and make your message stick. Here are some tips for using storytelling in your speech:

1. Choose stories that are relevant to your message and audience. Think about stories that will best illustrate the point you are trying to convey, or evoke emotions in your listeners. 2. Use vivid descriptions and visuals when telling your story. Be sure to include details such as setting, character descriptions, dialogue and plot points. This will help to bring the story to life for your audience. 3. Make sure the story you are telling has a strong conclusion or moral at the end. This will help add emphasis to your message and make it memorable. 4. Practice telling stories out loud before delivering a speech with them. Rehearsing will help you deliver your story more effectively and with more confidence in front of an audience. By using these tips, storytelling can be an effective tool to make any speech more interesting, engaging, and persuasive!

How can I prepare for my speech effectively?

Preparing for a speech effectively is essential to delivering an impactful and memorable presentation. Here are some tips: 1. Have a clear goal in mind. Before starting to prepare, ask yourself what the purpose of giving the speech is: what message do you want to convey? Defining this will help to structure your content and focus your research. 2. Research thoroughly. Make sure you understand the subject matter well, so that your delivery sounds confident and inspiring. Using facts and data will strengthen your arguments and make your talk more convincing. 3. Outline your speech. Make a rough outline of how you want it to go – from beginning to end – well in advance of the actual presentation. This will give you a strong foundation upon which you can craft an engaging talk with an effective narrative arc that keeps audiences interested and engaged. 4. Practice regularly. Rehearsing your speech out loud several times is key to ensuring that you know it well enough to feel comfortable when delivering it live in front of an audience.

5. Time yourself. Record how long it takes for you to go through your entire speech, so that you can adjust the length as needed before delivering it live – remember that most speeches should last no more than 10-15 minutes. 6. Identify potential questions from the audience and prepare answers before hand. Knowing ahead of time what kind of questions people may ask can help reduce the anxiety of not knowing what comes next, enabling you to stay confident when speaking in public. 7. Work on building up confidence levels before delivering a speech. Visualize yourself succeeding in delivering a great presentation; practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or positive self-talk; or use props during practice sessions such as water bottles or stress balls if needed to remain calm during the real thing!

What strategies can I use to reduce my anxiety when giving a speech?

1. Plan Ahead: Create an outline of your speech beforehand and practice it multiple times to become familiar with the content. Doing a trial run with the audience can also help you get used to speaking in front of people.

2. Visualize Success: Positive visualization is a great way to reduce anxiety before giving a speech. Imagine yourself confidently delivering the speech while feeling relaxed and composed.

3. Get Organized: Make sure you have all the materials necessary for your presentation, including notes, slides, etc., to reduce any additional stress that may come from not having what you need when you speak.

4. Take Deep Breaths: Before and during the speech, take a few deep breaths as this will help calm nerves and make sure your breathing is regulated throughout the duration of your presentation.

5. Speak Slowly: It is common to feel anxious while giving a speech and try to rush through it too quickly. Speaking slowly helps maintain composure while delivering your message effectively and clearly.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body: Your posture, stance, movements , facial expressions can all influence how confident you appear to your audience and how nervous you may be feeling inside. Check in with yourself frequently throughout the presentation and correct any tense body language or physical actions if needed.

7. Focus on the Audience: If you notice that your anxiety levels are growing as you present, shift your focus onto the audience instead of yourself as this will help refocus your attention away from negative thoughts that may arise from fear or insecurity.

8. Make Eye Contact: Establishing eye contact with your audience is a key confidence-builder for public speakers—it shows that you’re strong, engaged with them, and receptive to feedback or questions they might have regarding your speech topic .

9. Practice Positive Affirmations: Positive thoughts will boost your self-confidence as well as your mood which can help increase performance quality significantly during speeches or presentations in general—so don’t forget to tell yourself “you can do it!” several times throughout the day leading up to the event!

10. Seek Support of Friends & Family: Many experienced public speakers suggest seeking support of close friends & family members prior and during their speeches—not only does it allow helpful critique regarding content but it also creates a more comfortable atmosphere while speaking which can reduce pre-speech jitters drastically.

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Speaking up for yourself is important — 11 steps to get it right

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What is speaking up?

What's the role of boundaries when speaking up, why are you afraid of speaking up, when should you speak up, how to start speaking up.

Of all the different kinds of communication, speaking up is probably the most overlooked. That’s because while most kinds of communication occur between two (or more) individuals , speaking up begins with a conversation with oneself. 

At their best, conversations with other people feel easy, and there’s a comfortable back-and-forth. However, there are times when you feel a sense of dis-ease and a growing mismatch between what is — and isn’t — being said. That’s your first clue that it may be time to speak up.

Speaking up is when you communicate publicly, assertively, and honestly for the rights and needs of yourself and others. It is at the root of all social change, including within organizations.

For many of us, it’s easier to advocate for others than it is to speak up for ourselves. However, when we don't speak up for ourselves, we erode our sense of self-worth. We become engaged in a cycle of rationalizing behavior that takes us further away from our values and — ultimately — away from the person that we want to become.  

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At its heart, speaking up is really a conversation regarding boundaries. The uncomfortable feeling that you associate with needing to say something (even if you’re afraid to say it) is called cognitive dissonance . Cognitive dissonance is the psychological term for the mental distress that arises when you’re trying to balance two conflicting thoughts, feelings, or values.

When you feel that you need to speak up, you instinctively feel that a boundary or value that you hold has been violated in some way. However, the desire to reinforce the boundary comes into conflict with another value: the desire to be accepted. This can be especially strong in close relationships or at work, where the stakes are high.

Our brains don’t differentiate much between emotional danger and physical danger. Whether it’s a saber-toothed tiger or a “We need to talk,” our sympathetic nervous system (the part responsible for the “flight or fight” response) kicks into high gear.

What we’re responding to is the social threat  or the concern that we’ll have to choose between being accepted by our peers and what we personally find unacceptable. When we stay silent in the face of that cognitive stress, however, the consequences don’t just disappear. Instead of causing damage to our social standing, we simply internalize the emotional fallout. 

Why, then, would we choose not to speak up? It’s because our communication patterns, like most of what we do, are habits. If we’ve repeatedly had negative experiences around advocating for ourselves or social acceptance, we’re less likely to feel safe speaking up.

Some reasons people feel too afraid to speak up are based in:

Childhood experiences

If we were ridiculed, yelled at, or abused for speaking up as children, it can be difficult to advocate for ourselves and our needs as adults. Often, examining our relationships with our parents and siblings provides important insights into our communication styles as adults.

Past traumatic experiences when speaking up

It might be getting laughed at for getting an answer wrong or having to choose which of your parents to live with. Regardless of the stakes, if the outcome was stressful or traumatic you may have unconsciously shut down your voice as a way to prevent further harm.

Gender differences

In a recent survey of 1,100 female employees , 45 percent of them said that speaking up at work was difficult. Societal gender expectations play a role in this disparity. Women are socialized to be less assertive , and those who do speak up are often labeled as “difficult” to work with. 

Fear of retaliation

If your opinion contradicts that of someone important to you, you may be afraid of the repercussions of speaking up. Although it’s unethical, drawing attention may result in loss of income, opportunities, comfort, or status — and proving retaliation can be difficult.

Concern for what others think

Even if you don’t have anything to “lose,” per se, speaking up still isn’t easy. You may fear upsetting a friendship, bringing tension into a comfortable setting, not fitting in , or being seen as a troublemaker.

Speaking up is always a challenge, but chances are, you’ll feel worse about not speaking up when it really counts. While it may feel easier to rationalize behavior that you’d rather not deal with, it eventually takes a toll on your well-being — not to mention the overall workplace culture.

Here are six times that you should always speak up:

1. When you notice someone is upset. Speaking on behalf of another person is often easier, but no less powerful. The person you step in for will feel more empowered, more comfortable voicing their own experience, and you may pave the way for others to share more openly as well.

2. When something goes against the rules of the workplace. Culture is a critical part of a thriving workplace. Behavior that undermines an inclusive, safe work environment should not be tolerated. It's always a good idea to speak out for your rights, especially when something goes against the official labor or human resources policy. You may save your company and colleagues from legal action.

3. When it sets a dangerous precedent. Boundary violations rarely happen in isolation, and they have an unfortunate tendency to escalate. Speaking up when something unethical or dangerous occurs prevents you and your team from ending up on the slippery slope to justifying unacceptable actions.

4. When you have the upper hand. Whether you are in a leadership role or benefit from racial, social, or economic privilege , it’s your responsibility to speak up for those who don’t have the same advantage. Your status may protect you from facing the same repercussions that another person might face for intervening.

5. When no one else does. We’ve all experienced that moment of looking around the room, wondering who is going to “point out the obvious” or ask the unspoken question. If you feel certain others have the same question or concern , nothing’s gained by letting it go unexpressed. It often feels safer to speak up in these situations, since you can feel the relief of the entire group when someone finally says “what everyone was thinking.”

6. When the little inner voice says to speak up. The more aware you are of your feelings and the feelings of others, the more difficult it becomes to stay silent when something seems off. The problem doesn’t just disappear either. One study found that on average, employees spent more than two weeks ruminating about moments when they didn’t speak up , costing their organization approximately $7,500 per conversation .

Speaking up is something that you can practice and learn to be comfortable with. The key to being successful at it is managing the cognitive dissonance. It’s quite possible that speaking up for yourself will never be easy, as it nearly always involves some level of social threat. However, it can become a habit, and there are steps you can take to make it easier.

Before you speak up:

1. Ask yourself: when am I most likely to need to speak up? Is there a conversation that I’m avoiding? If so, why? What am I afraid of?

2. Learn the feeling. Get familiar with the physical and emotional nudge that you have something that might be difficult to say. It may feel like a lump in the throat or butterflies in the stomach. With practice, you’ll be able to interpret the uncomfortable sensation as information.

3. Create a trigger phrase for yourself. We often try to manage the discomfort of not speaking up by forcing the feeling down. Instead, create a phrase that leads you towards speaking up (but doesn’t give you an easy way out). Try one of the following:

“I had a question about that.” “I’m uncomfortable with that.” “From my perspective, you said…”

There are endless ways to interject, and the right one will depend on the situation and what’s right for you. It’ll likely be a bit uncomfortable, but practicing your “trigger phrase” can make speaking up easier.

Note: Sometimes, the trigger phrase can come from another person. If you hear someone struggling to speak up or your manager asks if anyone has a question, don’t think too long before jumping in!

4. Know your rights and resources. If the matter is more serious, like a violation of a workplace harassment policy, knowing your rights and the path for escalation can help you feel more secure about standing up for yourself.

When you’re speaking up:

1. Don't fall into the over-explaining trap. Because speaking up is uncomfortable, you may feel the need to say more than you ordinarily would or keep talking to fill the space. Don’t. Keep it brief. 

2. Be clear on what you want to accomplish. Are you speaking up on behalf of your own boundaries, or because you sense that a colleague is uncomfortable? Whatever the reason, the interjection — that is, speaking up — is the accomplishment. If the party you're speaking to reacts badly, avoid escalating the situation. Refer the conflict to a manager or human resources .

3. Be compassionate to all parties, including yourself. Speaking up is a difficult thing to do. We often try to deal with the emotional discomfort by redirecting it as anger at another person. Chances are, no one is trying to intentionally harm anyone else. Assuming the best of all parties will go a long way towards resolving the conflict constructively.  

After speaking up:

1. Did I really just say that? There's a tendency to want to replay the conversation with others to assuage the cognitive dissonance with external validation. However, this can quickly fall into gossip. Avoid the workplace gossip trap. If you really need to discuss it, reach out to a coach.

2. Take note of how you feel . Was it difficult to speak up? How do you feel now that you said something? Are you relieved, anxious, or frustrated?

3. Replay what worked in the conversation. Did the person hear you? Did others immediately empathize with what you said? Was the conflict resolved successfully? What could you have done differently?

4. Beware the vulnerability hangover. As you develop this new skill and step out of your comfort zone, it may be difficult to deal with the emotional aftermath of feeling so vulnerable and uncomfortable. You may feel irritable, as if everyone is watching you, or worried about being labeled difficult. 

Try discussing your feelings with a coach or therapist, or writing them in a journal. In particular, watch out for the tendency to compromise your boundary in future conversations to try to “regain” your previous comfort level. 

Growth isn't easy, and it’s often uncomfortable . Learning to speak up for yourself, though, is always worth it.  

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Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

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How to Introduce Yourself Clearly at the Start of Your Speech

The introduction is arguably one of the most important parts of a speech. We all know that an audience will form an impression of you within seconds after you walk onto a stage and begin speaking. What happens during those first few seconds when you introduce yourself and your topic is crucial to capturing and holding your audience’s attention.

So, how do you introduce yourself and your topic when you are making a speech?

There are several methods available, such as the following:

Let someone else introduce you

Use audience participation, skip formal introductions.

• Tell a story
• Ask a question

Open with a provocative statement

There are many different types of speeches given on a wide range of topics, so knowing which approach to use and what is appropriate for the setting you are speaking in, is critical to building a lasting connection with the audience. Read on to learn more about how you can introduce yourself and your topic at the start of a speech.

You only have a few precious seconds to establish rapport with the audience. Because of this, you should spend as little time introducing yourself as possible unless your personal story is one of the main reasons people are coming to hear you speak.

If people are coming because they are interested in the topic rather than your story, you should focus your introduction on the topic rather than on yourself. Speaking about yourself for too long in an introduction can make you seem uninteresting at best and arrogant at worst. One way around this is to let someone else introduce you and your topic.

This way, a master of ceremonies can brag about you a bit more and give you some credibility based on your achievements that you couldn’t gracefully list off about yourself without coming across as self-absorbed. If you plan to be introduced by someone else, make sure that you make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

Use humor to introduce yourself and your topic

Humor can be a very useful tool when introducing yourself and your topic during a speech (Gregory). It accomplishes several different objectives:

• Humour puts the audience at ease.
• It gets the audience’s attention.
• According to Psychology Today , humor humanizes the speaker and makes the audience like them, especially if the speaker is an intimidating subject matter expert.
• Using humor illustrates knowledge and timing, which gives a speaker credibility with the audience.

Of course, there are some speaking situations where humor is not appropriate. Let’s take the example of a funeral service. Humour might be appropriate when telling an anecdote about a deceased loved one at a wake, but it would be considered impolite when delivering a formal eulogy.

Ultimately it is up to you as the speaker to decide whether using humor in the introduction of your speech is appropriate, given the context of the speaking venue. In some cases, it may be preferable to remain calm and authoritative. Humour can be a double-edged sword!

Audience participation is one way of ensuring that the audience is paying attention because no one wants to be caught off-guard, not paying attention when the speaker calls out on them specifically. There are two techniques that you can use audience participation:

• Asking individual audience members questions Getting a few of the audience members to introduce themselves as an icebreaker can take some pressure off you to introduce yourself and your topic, as it becomes a reciprocal activity.
• Show of hands Polling the audience for how many believe or favor a position with regard to a topic is one surefire way to draw the audience’s attention to an introduction. You can follow up with questions to the audience to clarify their answers. This, in turn, can be a great transitional point to move into discussing the topic at hand.

Rather than a lengthy formal introduction, it is sometimes preferable for a speaker to go right into the topic of the speech, and then spread bits and pieces of information about themselves throughout the talk.

This is a good way for a speaker to use themselves as practical examples so that they can demonstrate the subject matter throughout the speech.

This is also a good strategy to use when the speaker is not as important as the topic being discussed. If the topic’s importance outweighs the speaker’s importance, then it’s best to get introductions out of the way as quickly as possible, so the audience’s attention is not lost.

Tell a story to introduce yourself

Telling stories to introduce yourself and your topic in a speech or a presentation is a long-standing approach used by public speakers going back centuries and with good reason. Humans are naturally a storytelling species by evolutionary decree, and whenever someone begins to frame information into a story, it automatically draws the attention of the audience.

One way of using a story in the introduction is to tell only the beginning of the story at the start of the speech and then finish the story at the conclusion. This is a good way to structure a speech so that it feels well thought-out and is a smart way to make an impression on the audience at the start and the end of the speech.

Ask a question relating to the topic

Asking the audience a question is a good way to get their attention immediately because it puts them on the defensive and forces them to think about what you just said. That is not an exaggeration: science has proven that a question can hijack the brain in a cognitive process known as instinctive elaboration (Simon).

This means that you start your talk by asking the audience an icebreaker question, so that everyone in that audience is focused on the answer, and the rest of your talk can then be used to answer that question.

The power of this introductory method comes not only in its capacity to capture the audience’s attention but also in its ability to prevent the audience from thinking about anything else, even if they wanted to

Giving a talk at the end of a long day can be challenging, especially if the audience has already been subjected to hours upon hours of other people’s presentations, such as a multi-talk seminar or a large business conference.

Humans already have a rather low attention span, and scientific studies have shown that they can only focus effectively for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. This means that if you are the last or near the last speaker in a long line of speakers, your speech should have more impact than someone who gets to speak first.

Provoking the audience can be done either orally or visually. You can project a powerful image behind yourself on the stage to bring the audience’s attention forward and keep them focused, or you can open your introduction with a provocative statement.

This statement can be either related to the topic or not: an absurd or facetious provocative statement can be passed off as humor when the speaker moves on to their real subject matter, but it still gets the attention of the audience.

Introducing yourself at a speech can make or break it

Since an audience can form an opinion about a public speaker in less than a second (Wargo), it is critical that you know your audience , so that you know what approach to take to grab the audience’s attention as quickly as possible.

Using the above methods to introduce yourself and your topic clearly can help ensure that the audience remains engaged regardless of the topic being introduced.

References:

• Gregory, K. “Tune Up! Tips and Tricks for Your Audience to Get the Most From Your Presentation.” SIGUCCS Conference 08 , 2008, pp. 243-246
• Simon, H. Administrative Behaviour . Free Press, 1997.
• Wargo, E. “How Many Seconds to a First Impression?” Association for Psychological Science , 2006, July

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Become a pro at giving a speech in 2024

Jun 22, 2024

Posted by: Regine Fe Arat

Giving a speech can be daunting, but it’s an incredible opportunity to inspire, persuade and make a lasting impact on your audience. 

Whether you're speaking at a conference, a wedding or in a classroom, the ability to deliver a powerful speech is a valuable skill that can open doors and create meaningful connections. 

From Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to Steve Jobs' commencement address at Stanford University, we’ve seen many amazing speeches. History is full of speeches that have inspired generations and shaped the world. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to crafting and delivering a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

Crafting an effective main message

At the heart of every great speech is a clear, compelling message. This main idea or theme is what you want your audience to take away from your speech. 

To craft an effective message, start by asking yourself what you want your audience to think, feel or do after hearing your words. 

Once you have a clear goal in mind, distill your message into a single, powerful statement that sums up your main point. 

Imagine you're giving a speech about the importance of volunteering. Your main message might be: "Giving our time and talents to others can create a more compassionate and connected world."

Connecting with your audience through body language

Your body language impacts how your audience perceives and engages with your speech.

It's important to use nonverbal cues that convey confidence, warmth and authenticity to create a strong connection with your listeners. 

Some key body language tips to keep in mind include:

• Maintaining eye contact: Look directly at your audience members, making brief but meaningful eye contact throughout the room.
• Using gestures : Emphasize key points and add visual interest to your speech by using natural, expressive gestures.
• Smiling : A genuine smile can put your audience at ease and create a positive, welcoming atmosphere.
• Standing tall : To project confidence and authority, maintain good posture with your shoulders back and your feet planted firmly on the ground.

Using natural adrenaline to boost confidence

It's normal to feel nervous before giving a speech, and you can use these feelings to boost your confidence and performance. 

The key is to reframe your nerves as excitement and use that energy to fuel your passion and enthusiasm for your topic. 

Some techniques for channeling your adrenaline in a positive way include:

Power posing

Before your speech, take a few minutes to stand in a confident, big stance (such as the Superman pose) to increase your sense of power and self-assurance.

Positive self-talk

Use affirmative statements to remind yourself of your strengths and abilities, such as "I am well-prepared and ready to share my message."

Visualizing success

Picture yourself delivering your speech with clarity, confidence and impact, with your audience responding positively to your words.

Preparing for a successful speech

Effective speech writing involves a systematic process of researching, organizing and refining your content:

Choose and cite authoritative sources

First, you need to research your topic. Look for compelling facts, statistics and examples to illustrate your key points and make your message more memorable.

To give your speech credibility and impact, choose sources that support your key points. Look for references that are:

• Reputable : Look for information from well-known, respected organizations, institutions or people in your field.
• Current : Use the most up-to-date information available to ensure accurate content.
• Relevant : Select sources that directly support your main points and contribute to your overall message.

When citing your sources in your speech, credit the original authors or creators properly. This demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity and helps your audience trust the information you're presenting. 

Some common ways to cite sources in a speech include:

• Verbal attribution : Mention the author or organization name when referencing their work, such as "According to a recent study by Harvard University..."
• Slides or handouts : If you're using visual aids, include a list of references or sources for your audience to refer to later.

Draft a compelling speech summary

Next, summarize your speech's main point or argument. This is usually best near the end of your introduction as a roadmap for the rest of your speech. 

To craft the best summary, consider the following tips:

• Be specific: Avoid broad statements — focus on a clear, specific claim or argument.
• Be arguable: Present a perspective or position with evidence and reasoning.
• Be concise: Aim for a single sentence that captures your main point clearly and directly.

For example, if you're giving a speech on the benefits of meditation, your summary might be: "Regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve focus and promote overall well-being."

Outline your speech

Once you have a solid foundation of information and your main argument, begin outlining your speech. 

Break your content down into logical sections, such as an introduction, main body and conclusion. Within each section, organize your points to flow naturally and build toward your message.

As you write your speech, focus on clear, concise language. It should be easy for your audience to understand and follow. Use short sentences, active voice and concrete examples to make your points more engaging and memorable. 

Remember to also include transitions between sections to help your audience follow your train of thought and see the connections between your ideas.

If the audience needs a call to action, include it in the conclusion. 

Tighten up sentence structure and flow

The way you structure your sentences and paragraphs can impact how your audience understands and engages with your speech.

To create a clear and compelling flow, consider the following tips:

• Vary your sentence lengths: Alternate between short, punchy sentences and longer ones to create a dynamic and engaging rhythm.
• Use parallel structure: When listing ideas or examples, use the same grammatical structure for each item to create a sense of balance.
• Use transitions: Phrases like "however," "in addition" and "as a result" show the connections between your ideas and help your audience follow your train of thought.

11 tips for effective speech delivery

Practice your microphone technique.

If you're using a microphone during your speech, take some time to practice with it beforehand. 

Get a feel for the optimal distance and angle to hold the microphone, and experiment with your volume and tone to ensure everyone can hear you.

Remember, the microphone is there to project your voice, so you don’t need to yell into it. 

Speak directly into the microphone. Avoid turning your head away while speaking as this can reduce the volume of your voice.

Timing is important

One of the most important things to remember when delivering a speech is to be concise. 

Aim to keep your speech within the allotted time frame and avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary details. 

A good rule of thumb is around one minute of speaking time for each main point. A concise speech ensures you hold your audience's attention and drive home your key messages.

Consider what your audience wants to hear

When crafting and delivering your speech, keep your audience's needs and interests in mind. 

Research your audience beforehand, and tailor your content and delivery style to their specific needs and preferences. 

For example, if you're speaking to a group of experts in your field, you may want to use more technical language and discuss your topic in more detail. 

However, a general audience will prefer more accessible language and less jargon. Focus on the broader essence of your message and keep it straightforward.

Pick a theme and stick to it

It's important to choose a clear theme and stick to it throughout a speech to create a cohesive and memorable presentation . 

Avoid trying to cover too many different topics or ideas. A confusing, jumbled speech can quickly turn an audience off. 

Instead, focus on developing a single, powerful theme that ties your main points together and reinforces your overall message. 

For example, if you're giving a speech on the importance of sustainability, you might choose a theme like "Small changes, big impact.” You could use examples and anecdotes that illustrate how individual actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Speak slowly

When delivering your speech, it's important to speak at a pace that allows your audience to follow along and absorb your message.

Many speakers rush through their material when they're nervous, making it difficult for their audience to keep up. 

To avoid this, practice speaking at a slower, more deliberate pace. Use pauses strategically to emphasize key points or give your audience time to process what you've said. 

If you find yourself speeding up, take a deep breath and consciously slow down your delivery.

Tell a couple of jokes

Incorporating humor into your speech can be a great way to engage your audience and make your message more memorable. 

A well-placed joke or funny anecdote can break the ice, lighten the mood and create a more relaxed and receptive atmosphere. 

However, it's important to use humor carefully and ensure your jokes are appropriate and relevant to your topic. Avoid offensive or insensitive humor, and don't rely too heavily on jokes at the expense of your core message.

If telling jokes doesn’t come naturally, avoid them entirely or practice them until you sound like a seasoned comedian. 

Don't be afraid to repeat yourself if you need to

Repetition is a powerful tool in speech-making, as it reinforces your key points and makes them more memorable. 

A technique known as "the rule of three" suggests that people are more likely to remember information in groups of three. 

So don't be afraid to repeat your primary message or points throughout your speech with slightly different language or examples each time. 

Only use the visual aids you need

Visual aids, such as slides, charts or props, can reinforce your message and make your speech more engaging. 

However, it's important to only include those that are truly necessary to support your points. 

Avoid cluttering your presentation with too many slides or images, as this can detract from your overall message. 

Instead, choose a few key visuals that are clear, relevant and easy to understand. Use them strategically throughout your speech to enhance your words.

Ask for feedback

One of the best ways to improve your speech delivery is to seek feedback from others.

Consider joining a public speaking group, course or Toastmasters club to practice your skills in a supportive environment. 

You can also ask friends, colleagues or mentors to listen to your speech and provide feedback on your content, delivery and overall impact. 

Another challenge of public speaking is being aware of your body language. When certain movements feel normal, you might not realize it’s distracting for those watching. 

Ask a friend or colleague to watch you practice your speech and provide feedback on any awkward mannerisms.

They may notice that you fidget with your hands, sway back and forth or use filler words like "um" or "like" frequently. 

Becoming aware of these habits means you can work to minimize them and project a more confident, polished presence on stage.

Remember that feedback is a gift, and constructive criticism can help you grow as a speaker.

Practice regularly

The key to becoming a confident and effective public speaker is regular practice. The more you practice your speech, the more comfortable and natural you'll feel when delivering it.

Dedicate time each week to work on your public speaking skills, whether you practice a specific speech or work on general techniques like vocal projection, gestures or eye contact.

Consider recording yourself speaking and watch the video to identify areas for improvement. You can also practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a small group of friends to build your confidence.

Look around the room

When delivering your speech, it's important to make eye contact with your audience to create a sense of connection and engagement. 

However, many speakers make the mistake of focusing on just one or two people throughout their entire speech. 

To avoid this, make a conscious effort to look around the room and make eye contact with people in different sections of the audience. 

This will help you connect with a wider range of people and make your speech feel more inclusive and engaging. 

Don’t let your gaze wander aimlessly or linger too long on anyone, as this can be distracting or uncomfortable for your audience.

Overcoming fear and nervousness

One of the most effective ways to calm your nerves before and during a speech is to practice deep breathing techniques. 

Deep breathing slows down your heart rate, relaxes your muscles and calms your mind, which can help you feel more centered and focused. 

To practice deep breathing:

• find a quiet place where you can sit or stand comfortably,
• place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, 
• take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, 
• allow your belly to expand as you inhale,
• hold the breath for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth, 
• feel your belly fall as you release the air,
• repeat this process for several minutes and
• focus on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body.

How to effectively handle impromptu speeches

Impromptu speeches can be particularly nerve-wracking, as they require you to think on your feet and organize your thoughts quickly. 

To handle an impromptu speech effectively, try the following tips:

Take a moment to collect your thoughts

Before you start speaking, take a deep breath and give yourself a few seconds to gather your thoughts and choose a main point or theme to focus on.

Use a simple structure

Organize your speech into a basic structure, such as an introduction, three main points and a conclusion. This will help you stay focused and avoid rambling or getting off track.

Speak from experience

Draw on your experiences, knowledge and opinions to provide examples and anecdotes that support your main points. This will help you speak more authentically and confidently.

Embrace the unexpected

Remember that impromptu speeches are an opportunity to showcase your ability to think on your feet and adapt to new situations. Embrace the challenge and try to have fun with it.

Preparing for Q&A sessions and panel discussions

Many speeches are followed by a Q&A session or panel discussion, which can be an opportunity to engage with your audience and provide additional insights and perspectives on your topic. To prepare for these sessions, consider the following tips:

Anticipate common questions

Before your speech, brainstorm a list of questions that your audience may ask, and practice your responses. This will help you feel more prepared and confident when fielding questions.

Be concise and direct

When answering questions, aim to be concise and to the point, while still providing enough context and detail to fully address the question.

Defer to other experts

If you're part of a panel discussion, don't feel like you need to answer every question or dominate the conversation. Defer to other panelists when appropriate and build on their ideas to create a more dynamic and engaging discussion.

Stay positive and professional

Even if you receive a challenging or hostile question, try to remain positive and professional in your response. Avoid getting defensive or argumentative. Instead, focus on providing a thoughtful and measured perspective.

Examples of persuasive speeches

To help illustrate the techniques and strategies we've covered in this guide, let's take a look at a few examples of persuasive speeches that have made a lasting impact:

“The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown

This popular TED Talk by researcher Brené Brown uses humor, personal stories and scientific data to argue that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness and that it's essential for building authentic connections and living a meaningful life.

"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.

This iconic speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, is a powerful example of using rhetorical devices. King mastered the use of repetition, metaphors and emotional appeal to convey a message of hope and unity.

"The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In this TED Talk, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie uses personal anecdotes and storytelling to illustrate the importance of seeking out diverse perspectives and challenging stereotypes.

“Ain’t I A Woman?” by Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in 1797 and escaped from her master in 1827. She’s a prime example of an early feminist and anti-slavery speaker. In her famous speech, ”Ain’t I A Woman?” she used repetition and thought-provoking questions to highlight the poor treatment of Black women. 

"The Price of Shame" by Monica Lewinsky

In this powerful TED Talk, Monica Lewinsky draws on her own experiences with public shaming and cyberbullying to argue for a more compassionate and empathetic online culture.

The last card

Giving a speech can be challenging but rewarding. It allows you to share your ideas, inspire others and make a positive impact on the world. 

Follow the strategies and techniques outlined in this guide to become a more confident, effective and persuasive speaker. 

Remember to start by crafting a clear and compelling main message, and use body language, vocal techniques and storytelling to engage and connect with your audience. 

Practice regularly, seek feedback from others, and don't be afraid to embrace your natural nervousness and use it to your advantage.

How do I start giving a speech?

To start giving a speech, try:

• opening with a fun or hard-hitting fact,
• making a joke,
• sharing an anecdote,
• asking the audience a question,
• quoting someone famous and
• setting the scene — if you’re solving a problem, tell a relatable, relevant story

What are the steps of preparing for a speech?

• Choose a topic you're passionate about that will resonate with your audience.
• Research your topic thoroughly and organize your ideas into a clear and logical structure.
• Craft an attention-grabbing opening to hook your audience, like a joke or hard-hitting fact.
• Practice your speech, focusing on your delivery, body language and vocal techniques.
• Seek feedback from others and continue refining your speech until you feel confident and prepared.

What are the 4 stages of giving a speech?

The four stages of giving a speech are:

• Preparation: Research your topic, organize ideas and craft your speech outline and content.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech, focusing on your delivery, body language and visual aids.
• Delivery: Give your speech to your audience, using the techniques and strategies you've practiced to engage and persuade them.
• Reflection: After your speech, reflect on what went well and what you could improve. Seek feedback from your audience or a mentor, and use that feedback to continue refining your skills.

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How to Start a Speech That Captivates Your Audience

• The Speaker Lab
• June 25, 2024

Table of Contents

Starting a speech can be nerve-wracking. In a matter of seconds, you have to grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for what’s to come. So how do you kick things off with impact? Whether you’re addressing CEOs, entrepreneurs, or students, nailing the opening is crucial. In this article, we’re diving into practical tips on how to start a speech that captivates your listeners right from the get-go.

You might think it’s all about having an amazing hook or dazzling them with stats. While those help, there’s more at play here—like understanding your audience’s needs and aligning your message accordingly. That’s why we’re going to explore various techniques—from sharing personal anecdotes to asking thought-provoking questions—to make sure you hit it out of the park every time you step up to speak.

1. Understand Your Audience and Purpose

When preparing a speech, it’s crucial to identify your target audience. Consider factors such as age, background, interests, and expectations. Understanding your audience helps you tailor your message and connect with them effectively.

In addition to identifying your audience, you’ll also need to clearly define the purpose of your speech. Are you aiming to inform, persuade, inspire, or entertain? Having a clear purpose guides your content and helps you stay focused throughout your speech.

Identifying Your Target Audience

To identify your target audience, ask yourself questions like:

• Who will be attending your speech?
• What are their demographics (age, gender, profession, etc.)?
• What are their interests and expectations?
• What is their level of knowledge on the topic?

Answering these questions will give you a better understanding of your audience, allowing you to craft a message that resonates with them.

Determining the Purpose of Your Speech

Your speech’s purpose should be clear from the outset. Are you trying to:

• Inform your audience about a specific topic?
• Persuade them to take a particular action or adopt a certain viewpoint?
• Inspire them with a motivational message ?
• Entertain them with humor or storytelling?

Knowing your purpose helps you select relevant content and structure your speech effectively.

Tailoring Your Message to Your Audience

Once you understand your audience and purpose, tailor your message accordingly. Use language, examples, and anecdotes that resonate with your audience. Consider their knowledge level and adapt your content to ensure clarity and engagement.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of experts in your field, you can use industry jargon and dive deeper into technical aspects. However, if your audience is more general, it’s essential to break down complex concepts and use relatable examples.

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2. Craft a Strong Opening

Your opening sets the tone for your entire speech. Accordingly, aim to create a memorable first impression that captures your audience’s attention and makes them eager to hear more. Use strong body language, maintain eye contact, and speak with confidence to establish a positive connection with your listeners.

Types of Attention-grabbing Openers

There are various types of attention-grabbing openers you can use to start your speech. For instance, you could

• Ask a thought-provoking question
• Share a surprising fact or statistic
• Tell a relevant story or anecdote
• Use a powerful quote
• Present a bold statement or challenge

Whether you go with a question or a statistic, ensure your opener that aligns with your topic and engages your audience from the start.

Creating a Memorable First Impression

As any speaker knows, your first few seconds on stage are critical. In order to create a memorable first impression,

• Dress appropriately for your audience and the event
• Walk confidently to the stage or podium
• Smile and make eye contact with your audience
• Use a strong, clear voice
• Begin with a pause to gather your thoughts and command attention

Remember, your nonverbal communication is just as important as your words in creating a positive first impression.

Engaging Your Audience from the Start

Engaging your audience from the very beginning may sound easier said than done, but it is possible! Use techniques like addressing the audience directly, asking for a show of hands, or encouraging them to imagine a scenario. By involving your audience early on, you create an interactive atmosphere and keep them invested in your message.

For example, you could start with a question like, “Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable at first?” This prompts your audience to reflect on their own experiences and establishes a personal connection with your topic.

Remember, a strong opening is your opportunity to capture your audience’s attention and set the stage for a powerful and engaging speech. By understanding your audience, crafting a memorable first impression, and using attention-grabbing techniques, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a speech that resonates with your listeners.

3. Use a Relevant Anecdote or Story

When you’re up on stage, ready to deliver your speech, you want to capture your audience’s attention right from the start. One of the most effective ways to do that is by sharing a relevant anecdote or story. Of course, when you start your speech with a story, it can’t just be about anything. Rather, ensure that your opening anecdote is relevant, concise, and ties in with your main message.

Choosing a Relevant Story

The key to using an anecdote effectively is to choose one that’s relevant to your topic and resonates with your audience. It could be a personal experience, a client success story, or even a hypothetical scenario that illustrates your point.

For instance, if you’re speaking about persistence, lean on personal stories. Describe a time when you encountered an obstacle, but found a way around it through hard work and perseverance. This type of story not only engages your audience but also boosts your speaker credibility , demonstrating that you actually have experience overcoming obstacles, not just talking about them.

Keeping Your Anecdote Concise

While stories can be powerful, it’s important to keep them concise. Remember, your anecdote should serve as an introduction to your main message, but if the story goes on for too long it will overshadow your main message instead. Aim to capture the essence of your story in just a few sentences, focusing on the key details that support your point.

If you ramble on too long, you also risk losing your audience’s attention. Think of your anecdote as a teaser that leaves your audience wanting more. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

Tying Your Story to Your Main Message

Once you’ve shared your anecdote, it’s crucial to tie it back to your main message. Explain how the story relates to your topic and what lessons or insights your audience can take away from it.

Let’s go back to our perseverance example. After sharing your personal story, you might say something like, “Just like in my own journey, each of us will face challenges on the path to success. But if we stay focused on our goals and refuse to give up, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.”

By connecting your anecdote to your core message, you reinforce your point and make it more memorable for your audience.

4. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

Another great way to kick off your speech is by asking a thought-provoking question. When you pose a question to your audience, you invite them to engage with your topic on a deeper level. Not only does it get their wheels turning, but it also encourages them to think critically about the subject at hand.

Crafting an Effective Question

To make your question effective, it should be open-ended and encourage reflection. Avoid yes-or-no questions, and instead, ask something that prompts your audience to consider different perspectives or challenge their assumptions.

For instance, if you’re speaking about the importance of work-life balance, you might ask, “What would your life look like if you prioritized your well-being as much as your career?” This question invites your audience to imagine a different reality and consider the benefits of making a change.

Encouraging Audience Participation

Asking a question is also a great way to encourage audience participation. You can ask your audience to raise their hands, share their thoughts with a neighbor, or even invite a few brave volunteers to share their responses out loud.

When you involve your audience in your speech, you create a more dynamic and engaging experience. It helps break the ice and establishes a sense of connection between you and your listeners.

Using Rhetorical Questions Strategically

In addition to asking questions that invite a response, you can also use rhetorical questions strategically throughout your speech. These are questions that don’t necessarily require an answer, but serve to emphasize a point or encourage further reflection.

For example, you might say something like, “Can we really afford to ignore this problem any longer?” This question isn’t meant to be answered directly, but rather to underscore the urgency of the issue and encourage your audience to consider the consequences of inaction.

By peppering your speech with thought-provoking questions, you keep your audience engaged and encourage them to think more deeply about your message.

Whether you choose to start with an anecdote or a question, the key is to select an opening that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for the rest of your speech. So take some time to brainstorm different options and see what feels most authentic and impactful to you. With a little creativity and practice, you’ll be able to craft an opening that truly captivates your audience from the very first moment.

5. State a Surprising Fact or Statistic

When you’re crafting your speech, one of the most powerful ways to grab your audience’s attention right from the start is by sharing a surprising fact or statistic. However, it can’t just be any old statistic. It needs to be something that’s truly shocking, attention-grabbing, and most importantly, credible.

So where do you find these golden nuggets of information? It all starts with research. While it’s tempting just to Google a few keywords, push yourself to take this step seriously. Dig deep and find reputable sources like academic journals, government databases, or well-respected organizations in your field. These are the places where you’ll uncover the most impactful and trustworthy facts and statistics.

Selecting Impactful Facts or Statistics

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to sift through all that information and select the facts or statistics that will really make your audience sit up and take notice. Look for data points that challenge common assumptions or reveal something unexpected about your topic.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech about the importance of employee engagement. You could start with a statistic like this: “According to a Gallup study , only 23% of employees worldwide are actively engaged in their jobs.” That’s a pretty startling number, and it immediately sets the stage for why your topic matters.

Contextualizing Your Chosen Fact or Statistic

Of course, you can’t just drop a shocking statistic and move on. Once you’ve shared the statistic, you need to provide context and explain why it matters. In the employee engagement example, you might follow up by saying something like, “Think about that for a moment. 77% of the global workforce is either not engaged or actively disengaged. That means they’re just going through the motions, or worse, they’re actively undermining their company’s success. As leaders, we have a responsibility to change that.”

By providing context and explaining the implications of your chosen fact or statistic, you help your audience understand its significance and connect it to your broader message. That’s what makes it such a powerful tool for grabbing attention and setting the stage for a memorable speech.

6. Use a Powerful Quote

Another way to start your speech with a bang is by using a powerful quote. A well-chosen quote can add credibility to your message, inspire your audience, and set the tone for the rest of your presentation. But just like with facts and statistics, not just any quote will do.

Finding Relevant and Impactful Quotes

The key to using quotes effectively is to find ones that are both relevant to your topic and impactful in their own right. Look for quotes from respected figures in your industry, thought leaders, or even historical figures whose words have stood the test of time.

For instance, if you’re giving a speech about leadership, you might start with a quote like this one from John Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” That quote perfectly encapsulates what leadership is all about, and it comes from someone who is widely recognized as an authority on the subject.

Attributing Quotes Correctly

Of course, whenever you use a quote in your speech, it’s important to attribute it correctly. That means mentioning the person’s name and their credentials or background, if relevant. This not only gives credit where it’s due but also adds weight and credibility to the quote itself.

So in the John Maxwell example, you might say something like, “As leadership expert and bestselling author John Maxwell once said, ‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.'”

Explaining the Significance of Your Chosen Quote

Finally, just like with facts and statistics, you need to explain why your chosen quote matters and how it relates to your overall message. Don’t just drop the quote and move on—take a moment to unpack its meaning and significance.

For the John Maxwell quote, you might follow up by saying, “Think about that for a moment. True leadership isn’t just about having a vision or giving orders. It’s about walking the walk and leading by example. It’s about inspiring and guiding others to follow your lead. And that’s exactly what I want to talk to you about today.”

By choosing a relevant and impactful quote, attributing it correctly, and explaining its significance, you can use the power of other people’s words to elevate your own message and connect with your audience on a deeper level. So don’t be afraid to let someone else’s wisdom shine—it just might be the perfect way to start your next speech.

7. Employ Humor or Wit

When it comes to giving a speech, humor is one surefire way to engage your audience and keep them entertained. But before you start cracking jokes, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Understanding Your Audience’s Sense of Humor

For one thing, you need to understand your audience’s sense of humor. What might have your college buddies laughing might not land so well with a room full of corporate executives. It’s all about knowing your crowd and tailoring your humor accordingly. So whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to the speaking game, always do your homework on who you’ll be speaking to.

Keeping Humor Appropriate and Tasteful

Another key aspect is keeping your humor appropriate and tasteful. You want to avoid anything that could be seen as offensive or insensitive. Stick to lighthearted jokes that avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Balancing Humor with Your Main Message

Finally, it’s important to strike a balance between humor and your main message. While a well-placed joke can do wonders for keeping your audience engaged, you don’t want it to overshadow the purpose of your speech. Use humor as a tool to enhance your points, not as a crutch to lean on.

One great example of this is Sir Ken Robinson’s famous TED Talk . In his presentation, Robinson masterfully weaves in humorous anecdotes and witty observations throughout his talk, but never loses sight of his central theme about creativity in education. It’s a perfect balance of entertainment and substance.

The bottom line? When used effectively, humor can be a powerful way to connect with your audience and make your message stick. Just remember to keep it appropriate, know your audience, and use it to complement—not overshadow—your main points.

8. Pose a Problem or Challenge

Another way to grab your audience’s attention right from the start is by posing a problem or challenge. It immediately gets them thinking and invested in what you have to say. But how do you go about identifying and presenting that problem effectively? Let’s break it down.

Identifying a Relevant Problem or Challenge

The key to this particular strategy is relevance. You want to choose a problem or challenge that your audience can relate to and feel a sense of urgency around. It could be something they’re currently facing in their industry, a common pain point, or even a broader societal issue.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech to a group of small business owners. You might start by saying something like, “Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled to keep up with the constantly changing landscape of digital marketing.” Chances are, most hands will shoot up, and you’ve immediately got their attention.

Presenting the Problem Clearly and Concisely

Once you’ve identified your problem, it’s crucial to present it in a way that’s clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might go over people’s heads. Instead, use plain language and concrete examples to illustrate the issue at hand.

Hinting at Potential Solutions or Your Speech’s Purpose

After you’ve laid out the problem, it’s time to give your audience a glimpse of what’s to come. Hint at potential solutions or the overall purpose of your speech. This creates a sense of anticipation and keeps them engaged, wondering how you’ll address the challenge you’ve presented.

You might say something like, “Today, I’m going to share with you three strategies for overcoming this obstacle and taking your business to the next level.” Or, “In the next 30 minutes, we’ll explore how this issue is impacting our community and what steps we can take to create meaningful change.”

By posing a problem or challenge right from the start, you set the stage for a compelling and impactful speech. Just remember to keep it relevant, clear, and forward-looking. Do that, and you’ll have your audience hooked from the very first sentence.

9. Practice and Refine Your Opening

You’ve crafted a strong opening that captures attention and sets the stage for your presentation. But even the most brilliant opening falls flat without practice and refinement. The key to delivering a powerful opening with confidence is repetition. It’s not enough to write it down and call it a day. You need to rehearse your opening until it becomes second nature.

Rehearsing Your Opening Repeatedly

Just like any skill, nailing the opening of your speech takes practice before you can master it. Set aside dedicated time to practice your opening. Stand in front of a mirror, record yourself, or grab a friend to listen. The more you rehearse, the more natural and engaging your delivery will become.

Seeking Feedback from Others

Practicing on your own is great, but getting feedback from others can take your opening to the next level. Share your opening with colleagues, friends, or family members who will give you honest and constructive feedback.

Ask them questions like: Did my opening grab your attention? Was it clear what my presentation is about? Did I seem confident and credible? Their insights can help you refine your content and delivery.

Making Adjustments Based on Feedback and Self-reflection

Once you’ve received feedback and reflected on your own performance, it’s time to make adjustments. Don’t be afraid to tweak your opening based on what you’ve learned. Maybe you need to cut out a sentence that doesn’t land or add a pause for emphasis.

The beauty of practicing and refining your opening is that it’s an ongoing process. Even the most seasoned speakers continue to improve and adapt their openings over time. So embrace the journey and watch as your opening becomes stronger and more impactful with each iteration. By investing time and effort into practicing and refining yours, you’ll be well on your way to captivating your audience from the very first word.

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FAQs on How to Start a Speech

How do you start a speech.

To kick off your speech, start with a bang: ask a thought-provoking question, share an intriguing fact, or tell a compelling story. This grabs attention and sets the stage.

What is a good line to start a speech?

“Let me tell you about the time…” works well for many speakers. It promises an interesting story and instantly draws listeners in.

What is a good intro for starting a speech?

A solid intro hooks your audience right away. Combine humor with curiosity or drop in an unexpected statistic to keep them on their toes.

What is the best word to start a speech?

“Imagine” opens up endless possibilities. It invites listeners into your world, setting up for engaging storytelling or powerful points ahead.

The beginning of any speech sets the stage for everything else you’ll say. It’s where you capture interest and build connection. Accordingly, investing time and energy into your introduction is well worth it. Whether you go with an engaging story or a surprising fact, you have the power to make your introduction unforgettable. And remember—it’s not just about what you say but also how confidently you deliver it.

• Last Updated: June 21, 2024

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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” with Examples

June 30, 2024

You’re sitting down for your interview and the interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.”  What’s the first thing you think of when you hear those words? It’s a question about who you are, so it’s bound to be easy. Right? “Tell me about yourself” is often the very first thing you’ll hear during your interview. After all, you and the interviewer are both new to each other. What they do know about you so far consists of details on your resume, cover letter , or possibly, already, recommendations. They’re posing this question to get to know you as a person, and you’ll most likely be asked this for every new interviewer you have, from the first introductory screening up until the very last interview with the head of the department. Let’s dive into the very nature of this question and explore how to answer “Tell me about yourself” (examples below) successfully.

Why do they need to hear my answer when they already have my resume and cover letter?

Just as you’re figuring out who your interviewer is, your interviewer is doing the same. The interview will begin with friendly small talk to get you both situated. “Tell me about yourself” then becomes a way to ease into the rest of the interview. It can help inform the interviewer on how to steer the next questions.

What you say can catch enough of their interest to ask a relevant question. Or they’ll move on from it. The details and the story you choose to share will help them assess what types of questions they should ask you. Throughout the entire time, they are noticing what makes you different from other candidates.

Other ways they’ll ask “Tell me about yourself”

During the interview, you could hear those exact words, or the interviewer can say:

• “Tell me a bit more about your background.”
• “Could you summarize your most important achievements?”
• “I’m going through your resume, but would love for you to walk us through it.”
• “I already looked at your resume and cover letter, and it’d be great to know more about who you are.”
• “Describe your journey so far.”
• “Is there something unique you’d like to share about who you are?”

It’s challenging to decide how to answer “Tell me about yourself” because you need to be confident about the examples you’re choosing. Much like a personal statement, you’re giving them a snapshot into your life. You’re in control of what you choose to say.

Know how to answer “Tell me about yourself”

Choosing the right parts of your life to talk about can pave the way for a successful interview. Let’s dive into the key points you should cover:

1)Talk about the experiences, achievements and skills you have that are relevant to the job. This then leads into how you would be the best candidate for the position.

2) Explain the previous jobs you’ve held and how that led you to your current one. Then go into how your current job has brought you to this new role you are applying for. This can also be a good opportunity for you to mention what your goals are in the future.

3) Show your personality while you’re speaking, making sure you’re communicating clearly and positively, while giving examples of how you’ve connected with people throughout this time. Presenting this proactive side of you will only strengthen your profile.

4) Demonstrate what you’ve researched about the company by explaining how you see yourself in the job. Share about what you’re most looking forward to in the job and the company.

“Tell me about yourself” in the past, present and future

Finding the right flow in relaying your own narrative can be a tricky task. It’s helpful to have a general format of which times of your life you’re pulling your examples from.

Two recommended ways of how to “tell me about yourself” in an organized format are:

1) Present – Past – Future

• You can begin by describing what your current job entails and what your responsibilities and accomplishments are. Then you can share how you got to where you are with your current job, which will lead you to describe more of your professional background. To conclude, you’ll then talk about what your goals are and why you’re so interested in this new position.

2) Past – Present – Future

This format would have you begin with how you arrived at your current job, giving you a chance to explain your professional history right away. You can also mention what has always inspired you to become who you are today. This leads right into what you do in your current role, what responsibilities you have and what achievements you’ve accomplished. Then you’ll finish off, just like the “tell me about yourself” format above, with why you’re the right person for this new job.

Tell me about Yourself Examples (Continued) 

There’s no “fixed” order for how to tell this to your interviewer, but it’s important to choose the examples that highlight your best skills and attributes relevant to the new job. What’s most crucial is to always tie it back to the new job and the new company you’re applying to. This means that if your past work experience ties more directly to the new job, then it makes sense to begin there. Similarly, if your most recent work experience is more related to the new role, then you can start with that example.

The interviewer is there to assess whether or not you’re the ultimate fit for their team. In that sense, it’s always helpful to end your “tell me about yourself” story with why you’re the right person for the job.

Key advice for “Tell me about yourself” answers

Now you’ve got a general timeline structure set in place. But before we dive into “tell me about yourself” examples, let’s look at some quick ways to strengthen your response:

1) Your first impression will make a difference.

2) You are your own curator.

3) Understand who your interviewer is.

4) Remember this is a professional interview.

5) Tone can influence the entire conversation.

6) Stay focused: everything should point towards the new job.

7) Be authentic but prepared.

8) Speak with positivity and enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it.

“Tell me about yourself” examples

Every “tell me about yourself” answer will be different depending on the person, but having some examples on hand can help. Take a look at these examples below that make for a strong answer.

1) You are applying to a completely new industry:

For over seven years, I’ve worked in business development and have focused on building longstanding relationships with clients. My most recent role was as the senior manager for a startup tech company that ran a database platform for journalists around the world. I helped connect the right partners to our company and promoted our mission on global trips across Africa, Asia and Europe. Now I’m interested in branching outside of business development and stepping into fundraising to broaden my scope. Fundraising is a field I’ve worked very closely alongside throughout my career and have always found fascinating. I’ve been wanting to join a team where I could apply my business development skills into a fundraising leadership position, and this is why I’m so interested in this role at your company.

How to Answer “Tell me about Yourself” Examples (Continued)

2) If you are searching for a similar job to the one you have now:

Since I was in college at the University of Michigan, I’ve been absolutely passionate about journalism and media . As you can see on my resume, I was the editor-in-chief of our student newspaper and I helped to create an incubator on campus for students who wished to become investigative journalists. This only spurred my love for journalism, and upon graduating, I began working as an intern at the Los Angeles Times, assisting some of the lead journalists covering politics across the Southern Californian region and eventually being able to help write and edit copy for newsletters.

I worked my way up to become an assistant editor, which made me fall in love with the editorial process and editing for a large newspaper. After working as an assistant editor for the past three years, I knew I wanted to start finding work as an editor. With what I’ve learned as an intern and assistant editor at the Los Angeles Times over the past several years, I always imagined myself covering news back home in Michigan. When I saw this opening for the editor position, I knew I had to apply because it’s been a dream of mine to work with your company.

 3) Maybe you are going from an agency to an in-house position:

I’ve been an account manager at Paris Parties for five years now, and I’ve been responsible for overseeing our top client accounts. I’ve established long-lasting relationships with each of Paris Parties’ biggest clients, as going above and beyond for our client has always been my first priority. Prior to Paris Parties, I worked at Hollywood Events, where I managed over 50 of their largest clients across the creative sector. I always loved the work I did as an account manager at both agencies. But I’ve been looking for a new challenge, to step into more of a leadership role, so as soon as I saw the opening at your company, I knew I had to go for it.

4) You’ve just graduated and you’re applying to your first job

I graduated from New York University in May, and I majored in English and American literature and minored in Spanish. I always knew that I wanted to work in a nonprofit organization that helped promote literature around the world. Throughout my time at NYU, I volunteered and interned at several nonprofits such as UNICEF, where I helped organize events for donors in New York City to help raise funding for girls’ education. One of the greatest experiences I had while interning was when my team and I were able to increase our donations from last year by 35%, compared to the 12% the previous year.

We were able to send more books and educational materials to girls around the world who otherwise would have not had access to these resources. It made me wonder what else I could do with my English literature degree, my foreign language skills and my passion for education. I wanted to truly make a difference. Since then, I became passionate about fundraising for children’s rights and access to education, which is what led me to apply for the associate fundraiser role at your organization.

 5) Searching for a new role in the healthcare sector:

My work experience in customer service had unexpectedly led me to pursue a career in the healthcare sector . Working as a waitress for three years made me understand how to listen to the needs of people. When I was serving a table of pediatric nurses one day, I heard them talk about their work and I knew I had to explore this field. I’ve always been someone interested in improving the lives of others, whether it’s through providing perfect customer service. After three years at the restaurant, I was promoted to restaurant manager because my supervisor noted my dedication and passion for serving others.

Every night after work, I studied on my own to see how I could enter the healthcare industry as an administrator. And that’s how I went back to school. Upon graduating, I began to build my career in health administration, working my way up to get to where I am today at Mountainview Hospital. I’ve been overseeing the office and managing staff and patient relations for nine years now.

This past April, I worked with the interns and senior management to create a “career day” to bring our office closer together. It has been an immense pleasure to hold our weekly meetings and regularly involve the IT team to ensure our computer systems are all up to date. As it’s now the end of my ninth year at Mountainview Hospital, I’ve been searching for new ways to branch out, grow and contribute. And I was incredibly interested when I learned about this position at your hospital.

 6) If you’re looking to change careers:

For over a decade, I’ve worked in marketing as a marketing director, leading campaigns and amplifying my current company’s messaging through high-level engagement. Throughout the past five years, I’ve been leading a team of fifty in our marketing department to reach and surpass our monthly, quarterly and yearly goals in ROI. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch the employees under my care grow into the professionals they are today, and it’s always fulfilling to see such professional and personal development. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching my team work across departments to ensure that we meet our goals, and especially, working closely with the public relations department.

Since I first came to my company as a marketing associate, I learned quickly how intertwined the marketing and public relations teams are, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had the career in marketing that I’ve managed to build. The more I worked with our public relations director, the more I also realized that I’ve gravitated towards developing more creative, media-facing solutions to campaigns for the company. Together, we were able to create significant events and turnarounds for our entire team, and I found myself eager to focus on media strategies and improving our company’s public image. After much consideration, and with our public relations director’s recommendation, I know that making this switch into public relations is the path I’m now meant to pursue. And I can’t think of a better place to work for than your company, which combines the best of both worlds.

Show them who you are

So where do you even start? How much should you actually say about yourself in an interview? Prepping for the inevitable “Tell me about yourself” can be a stress-inducer, especially for a job with a heavy workload. But it doesn’t have to be, even if you’re applying for one of the happiest jobs in America . Hopefully, with the information shared above, you’ll now have a better idea of where to begin.

Remember, you don’t want to share with the interviewer every single detail from your professional life. However, you do want them to know about certain experiences that have shaped you to be the professional you are today. Striking the right balance is key.

How to Answer “Tell me about Yourself” Additional Career-Related Resources

•   Sample Resignation Letter 
• How to Reschedule an Interview
• Condolence Messages for a Coworker – 60 Samples 

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to introduce yourself in a presentation

How to introduce yourself in a presentation

A well-executed presentation should captivate your audience and listeners. The first step to gaining their attention is creating an engaging introduction. Learn why presentation introductions are important and how to properly execute one for your presentation.

Why are presentation introductions important?

Presentation delivery impacts your audience’s reception and listening skills. A dull delivery can deter listeners and potentially leave them disinterested. Conversely, an effective delivery can engage your audience, promote active listening, and stimulate substantive discussion.

Presentation introductions also help to establish the outline of your presentation and give the audience an idea of what is to come. Introductions play a crucial role in captivating listeners from the onset and building momentum. They address who you are, why the audience should be invested, state the topic, establish credibility, preview the main points, and establish the cadence and tone of your presentation. Before you dive into the content of your presentation, ensure you establish an effective introduction to captivate your audience.

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How to begin a presentation introduction

To establish rapport with your audience, here are some tips to effectively introduce yourself and your presentation:

Be clear and concise

A succinct introduction makes it easier for your audience to follow. Keep your introduction simple, short, and include only necessary information. State your name and topic clearly so your audience knows you from the beginning. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy anecdotes in your introduction to keep things focused and to the point.

Provide pertinent background information

In addition to your name and topic, highlight anything else that is relevant. You can include your education, work background, qualifications, and other information. Most importantly, ensure the information you disclose is directly relevant to yourself and presentation.

Create a hook or attention getter

Once you’ve established your name and topic, create an engaging hook or attention getter. Your introduction can be funny, clever, or it can captivate your audience. Have fun creating an introduction, but be sure to align your tone and delivery to your audience.

Outline your presentation

Let your audience know what your will be discussing. Establish a roadmap of your presentation: outline your contents, topics, and main points in an easily digestible format. This makes it easier for your audience to follow your presentation and prepare for its contents.

Practice and refine

Once you’ve created a solid introduction, rehearse your introduction until the delivery is organic and smooth. Confidence is key for an optimal delivery. Speak clearly, practice eye contact, and use storytelling to engage your audience.

Be authentic

Above all, be yourself—authenticity helps you build trust and connection with your audience. Carry you character, speech, and personality into your presentation to draw in your audience.

A successful introduction establishes tone, cadence, topic, and showcases your personality. Gain your audience’s attention and effectively deliver your presentation with an effective introduction. For more ways to engage your audience and improve presentation delivery , learn more presentation tips .

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