In giving the actual speech, several helpful hints can aid you in delivery. Remember a few of the basics--come prepared, don't be a bore...show what you have to say; don't just tell it, and finally, try to be consistent in keeping good speaking poise, i.e., posture, eye contact, voice level, etc.
- Remember your Boy Scout days and the age-old motto "be-prepared?" Know what you're going to say before you arrive and jot your organized ideas (not word by word) in outline form on an index card.
- Bring a written (and interesting) introduction for someone to read before you speak. It gives you credibility and sets the stage to the way you want to begin. There's nothing worse than a lousy introduction.
- Speak loud enough to be heard and speak clearly. Microphones can't make up for whispers.
- Avoid fillers such as like, um, and ya know, instead pause briefly.
- Stand on the balls of your feet for a dynamic appearance. Don't lean.
- Keep it short. "An example is better than a sermon."
- Look at your audience and SMILE; you're both happy to be there.
- Talk to the audience members...one at a time. Look at individual's eyes.
- Use colorful nouns and kicking verbs. Show, don't tell.
- If you're accepting an award, let the audience see it; use it to enhance your speech not in place of it.
- Finish with confidence and competence. Don't let your closing comments fizzle out. You set the mood with your final words and sounds.
- Don't rush off stage. Pause to accept the applause (audience reaction). It says you're listening to them just like you hoped they listened to you.
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