Try not to sacrifice enthusiasm for speed. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source You can still be ecstatic and passionate while speaking clearly.
Although repetition is good, try to avoid repeating things back to back. This could tire out your audience. Key ideas and themes are great words and phrases to recap throughout. An excellent example of repetition is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ’s I Have a Dream, where he reiterates the famous lines, “I have a dream that my four little children will…I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia…I have a dream today!”[2] X Research source
Think of your speech as a performance. If it were a play or movie, where would you see a dramatic pause? Count out your pause in your head or tap your finger at your side. Emphasize your pause by saying something like, “Now, think about that. ” Mark in your speech where you’d like to pause dramatically. This will help you while practicing and can be a physical reminder during your speech if you’re using cue cards.
Write your story out on paper outside of your speech to flesh it out. [5] X Research source The story or example doesn’t have to be personal. It could be a metaphor, allegory, or even a reiteration of a well-known tale. Make your story extra dynamic by tapping into the feelings and senses of the moment. What was the weather like? Was there air blowing into the open window? Make your story as descriptive as you can so it sounds rich and interesting.
If you’re directly quoting someone else, say “quote” before stating the quote and “unquote” after the quote’s final word.
Ask members of the audience to raise their hands if they’ve done X, Y, or Z. Toss in an energizing stretch break or audience-participation activity during the middle of your speech (this is great for a younger audience). Practice audience connection techniques in front of friends or family to test what works best for your speech.
Make sure to practice with your slideshow before presenting your speech, noting when you need to click over to another slide. Try to avoid reading directly from the slides. Your speech should already explain what’s on the screen. [8] X Research source
Pick a video that has something to do with your speech. You want the video to add to your speech, not take away from it. Place your video at a point in your presentation where it’s natural. For example, don’t stop in the middle of a story to show the video version of what you’re describing. Play the video before or after you’ve said something important.
Practice your speech using different rhythms and pauses, and note what helps you stretch the time without awkward pauses.
Try to walk and talk while you do this, so there isn’t an awkward silence drawing out the time. Hand out your resource during a lull in your speech or towards the end before a Q&A.
Aim for leaving about 15 minutes at the end of your presentation for questions. Try bringing up your key points again if no one has any questions right away.
