MAKING THE BEST SPEECH.

'Zeus' at Debaters Without Borders (DWB) has kindly given me the permission to post this handy guide on making the perfect speech on my blog. 

But first, some quick info about Debaters Without Borders: it's a Botswana-based organization that focuses on encouraging the country's youth to engage in a variety of issues through Debate, and goes from school to school teaching public speaking and skills in argumentation. We also organize Debate events for high schools to compete against each other for prizes and of course, bragging rights. 

Our motto is very simple: Breaking the chains that bind. We want to change the way people think and see the world from the perspective of a Debater- meaning we  want to break free from the ignorance and fallacies that prevent us from excelling as rational beings.

Now, have a go at reading these tips and try applying them to all your Debates and Speeches.MAKING THE BEST SPEECH.


TIP 1.

Be Memorable:

Sounds easy in theory. Of course, it takes discipline and imagination to pull it off. Many times, an audience may only remember a single line. For example, John F. Kennedy is best known for this declaration in his 1961 inaugural address: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what can do for your country.” Technically, the line itself uses contrast to grab attention. More important, it encapsulated the main point of Kennedy’s speech: We must sublimate ourselves and serve to achieve the greater good. So follow Kennedy’s example: Condense your theme into a 15-20 word epigram and build everything around it top-to-bottom.

There are other rhetorical devices that leave an impression. For example, Ronald Reagan referred to America as “a shining city on the hill” in speeches. The image evoked religious heritage, freedom, and promise. And listeners associated those sentiments with Reagan’s message. Conversely, speakers can defy their audience’s expectations to get notice. In the movie Say Anything, the valedictorian undercut the canned optimism of high school graduation speeches with two words: “Go back.” In doing so, she left her audience speechless…for a moment, at least.

Metaphors…Analogies…Surprise…Axioms. They all work. You just need to build up to them…and place them in the best spot (preferably near the end).



TIP 2.

Have a Structure:

Think back on a terrible speech. What caused you to lose interest? Chances are, the speaker veered off a logical path.

Audiences expect two things from a speaker: A path and a destination. They want to know where you’re going and why. So set the expectation near your opening on what you’ll be covering. As you write and revise, focus on structuring and simplifying. Remove anything that’s extraneous, contradictory, or confusing.

 Remember: If it doesn't help you get your core message across, drop it.



TIP 3.

Don’t Waste the Opening:

Too often, speakers squander the time when their audience is most receptive: The opening. Sure, speakers have people to thank. Some probably need time to get comfortable on stage. In the meantime, the audience silently suffers.

When you speak, come out swinging. Share a shocking fact or statistic. Tell a humorous anecdote related to your big idea. Open with a question – and have your audience raise their hands. Get your listeners engaged early. And keep the preliminaries short. You’re already losing audience members every minute you talk. Capitalize on the goodwill and momentum you’ll enjoy in your earliest moments on stage.



TIP 4.

Strike the Right Tone:

 Who is my audience? Why are they here? And what do they want? Those are questions you must answer before you even touch the keyboard. Writing a speech involves meeting the expectations of others, whether it’s to inform, motivate, entertain, or even challenge. To do this, you must adopt the right tone.

Look at your message. Does it fit with the spirit of the event? Will it draw out the best in people? Here’s a bit of advice: If you’re speaking in a professional setting, focus on being upbeat and uplifting. There’s less risk. Poet Maya Angelou once noted, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Even if your audience forgets everything you said, consider your speech a success if they leave with a smile and a greater sense of hope and purpose.

That’s a message in itself. And it’s one they’ll share.


TIP 5.

Humanize Yourself:

You and your message are one-and-the-same. If your audience doesn't buy into you, they’ll resist your message too. It’s that simple. No doubt, your body language and delivery will leave the biggest impression. Still, there are ways you can use words to connect.

Crack a one liner about your butterflies; everyone can relate to being nervous about public speaking. Share a story about yourself, provided it relates to (or transitions to) your points. Throw in references to your family, to reflect you’re trustworthy. And speak like you’re having a casual conversation with a friend. You’re not preaching or selling. You’re just being you.

 On stage, you can be you at your best.


TIP 6.

Repeat Yourself:

We've all been there. When someone is speaking, we’ll drift off to a Caribbean beach or the Autobahn. Or, we’ll find ourselves lost and flustered when we can’t grasp a concept. Once you've fallen behind, it’s nearly impossible to pay attention. What’s the point?

In writing a speech, repetition is the key to leaving an impression. Hammer home key words, phrases, and themes. Always be looking for places to tie back and reinforce earlier points. And repeat critical points as if they were a musical refrain.

Some audience members may get annoyed when you repeat yourself. But don’t worry how they feel today.

Concern yourself with this question: What will they remember six months from now?



TIP 7. 

Use Transitions: Sometimes, audiences won’t recognize what’s important. That’s why you use transitional phrases to signal intent. For example, take a rhetorical question like “What does this mean” – and follow it with a pause. Silence gets attention – and this tactic creates anticipation (along with awakening those who've drifted off). Similarly, a phrase like “So here’s the lesson” also captures an audience’s interest. It alerts them that something important is about to be shared. Even if they weren't paying attention before, they can tune in now and catch up.

TIP 8.

End strong and Keep it Short:

What is the worst sin of public speaking? It’s trying to do too much! Your audience’s attention will naturally wane after a few minutes. They have other places to be – and don’t want to be held hostage. And the longer you stay on stage, the more likely you are to stray and make mistakes. So make your points and sit down.

Never forget: This is their time, not yours.


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I hope you found all of those tips useful! If you're based in Gaborone, please keep a watch out for Debaters Without Border's future activities including an upcoming debate tournament and a spelling bee. DWB also needs the help of its citizens so its activities have as much impact as possible. Please like our Facebook Page  and comment, share, like and follow what we've got to say. Also, if you would like to invest, or know anyone who would like to help sponsor us, do not hesitate to email us at flairshsenwedi@gmail.com and tawanda.mulalu@maruapula.org.