Preparing a Public Speech: An

Overview
Selecting Topic And Purpose:
1. topic
• Worthwhile: the topics of public speaking should address issues with
significant implications for the audience. Therefore the speaker should
select a topic that he knows and would like to learn more. When selecting
the topic the speaker should recognize the cultural boundaries and what his
audience consider appropriate or worthwhile. returning to the addressed
audience for suggestions may be a good start for selecting the right topic.
• Limited scope: a suitable topic for a public speech is one that so limited in
scope. Probably the major fail of ever beginner is the they attempt to cover
a huge topic in just five minutes. the listeners will go away with the feeling
that they have gained nothing as a result of listening to that kind of speech.
2. The purpose:
Generally, public speeches are designed to inform, to persuade, and to serve
some ceremonial or special occasion function:
 The informative speech seeks to create understanding: the speaker
clarifies. Enlightens, corrects misunderstandings, or demonstrate how
something work.
 The persuasive speech seeks to influence attitudes or behaviours; the
speaker changes the audience attitudes or gets them to take action.
 The special occasion speech: the speaker presents an attribute, secures the
goodwill of the listeners, or entertain the audience.
Analysing the Audience
The audience is central to the topic and purpose. They should be
properly analysed so the speaker will deliver an appropriate
speech for them. Age and gender are two factors of many ones.
 Age: its obvious that the age of the listeners should in
influence the development of the speech.
 Gender: men and women often view topics differently.
Because each gender has its own knowledge and special
interests as a result of their socialization.
Topic Research.
 First reading some general source such as articles in a
magazine or on the web. And presuming some of the
article. For some topics consulting individuals who are
specialized in the topic for more information is better
than seeking it online.
Formulate your thesis and major
propositions
 That single idea that is required for the audience to gasp is the thesis of the speech. It is the
essence of what the audience will get out of the speech. If the speech is informative then
the thesis is the main idea that the audience need to understand. If it is persuasive one, then
the thesis is the central idea that the audience need to accept or act on.
 After wording the thesis, comes identifying its major components by asking certain
questions. For informative speech, the most helpful questions are What? or How?. In a
persuasive speech, the question that are been asked is often Why? Answering this will
identify the major parts of the speech.
Support Your Major Propositions
 In the informative speech, the support primarily amplifies---
describes, illustrates, defines--- the various concepts of the
discussion. Supporting materials accomplish this. Presenting
information for example helps the audience understand
specialized terms.
 In a persuasive speech, the support is proof—material that offer
evidence and argument. Proof helps to convince the audience to
agree with the presented ideas. The speaker can use logical
supports from general principals and from causes and effects.
Organize you speech materials
 Organized materials help the audience understand and retain
what is being said, for example the speaker may select a simple
topical pattern. This involves dividing the topic into its logical
subdivision or subtopics.
 For a persuasive speech the speaker may consider a different
organizational pattern. For instant a problem-solution pattern
might be effective for a number of topics.
Word the Speech
 Because the audience will hear the speech once, what is being
said must be instantly intelligible; Don't speak down to the
audience, but do make your ideas, even complex ones.
 The Use of words that are simple rather than impersonal and
formal language; When wording the speech, be careful not to
offend any members of the audience.
 Title the speech: the title my be effective in gaining the interest
of the audience, and perhaps stimulating them to listen. Two or
three words title is often better than a long one.
Construct Your introduction, conclusion,
and transitions.
 Introduction: first, preparing the introduction last is better. So that the speaker can add the
details he will go through in his speech. The introduction has to be attractive and
interesting. A provocative statistic , a little known fact an interesting story will do the job of
making the audience hooked and want to hear more of the speech. Second, establishing a
connection with the audience. by telling them the purpose behind this topic, and why is it
being addressed to them. Third, giving them some kind of orientation. By drawing a path of
what is going to be said.
 Conclusion : in concluding two thing must be checked. A clear summarize of the presented
ideas through out the speech. And a closure for the speech. Make it clear that the speech
reached the ending.
 Transition: after completing writing the speech make sure that the parts flow into one
another and that he movement from one part to another will be clear to the audience.
Transitional words, phrases, and sentences will help to achieve this smoothness of
movement.
Rehears you speech
 The next step is to practice the speech several times, all
of it, out loud more than one time at least four times
before the actual presentation.
 Time the performance to stay within the specified time
limit.
 Practice any difficult term that can’t be properly
pronounced.
 Include in the outline any notes to remember during the
actual speech.
Deliver your speech:
 In the actual presentation, voice and bodily action to reinforce the message. Avoid
any body movement that draw bad attention.
 When called to speak, approach the front of the room with enthusiasm. Show the
desire to speak with the audience even if there is a feeling of nervousness. Pause,
engage with the audience eye to eye for few brief moments.
 Talk is a volume that can be easily heard without straining . Throughout the speech
maintain eye contact with the audience.
 Be prepared to answer questions after the speech
• if you wish to encourage asking questions. Kindly as if anyone has question concerning the speech.
• After you hear the question, pause, and think about your answer, then answer, if you don’t know that
information kindly say so.
• Control any tendency to get defensive
• Thank the person for asking the question and give him some credit. That will make other people ask
question.
 If you don’t want to be asked question. Obviously reverse some of the mentioned
suggestion.