Speaking is a common activity in everyday life, but for many people, speaking in front of a class or giving a speech in front of an audience is not a common thing. During a speech, we continue to have inner conversations to build confidence to be able to convey information to others clearly and easily understood. First of all, determine the topic of the speech that will be useful for classmates (or teacher). After that, you need to find detailed information that covers the topic and organize the speech material systematically. Do not be too serious or feel overwhelmed when preparing speech material because this can be self-defeating. Read the following instructions so that you can prepare yourself and give a good speech.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Determining the Topic of the Speech
Step 1. Determine the right topic of speech, unless the teacher or group leader has already determined the topic to be discussed
Choose a topic that you like and are good at. Usually, you will have to do research or interview people who are willing to share their experiences to complete the speech material.
Step 2. Do your research before compiling speech material
Record all the information you get in detail.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Speech Script
Step 1. Sort the information by category
Choose useful information and ignore what is not needed. Use colored markers or ballpoint pens to take notes and mark important information.
Step 2. Outline the speech
Start compiling a speech script from things that are general and then convey specific information.
Step 3. Understand the topic of the speech in detail and then compose a speech script like you are writing an essay
When you're done, study the speech material as best you can.
Step 4. Prepare visual materials (if presentation tools are available) to enhance your performance during your speech
Part 3 of 3: Practice Delivering a Speech
Step 1. Write or print the speech material on card-sized paper
Use these cards to record important terms or information according to the outline of the speech (so that the speech material doesn't deviate from the topic), details, and statistics that are difficult to memorize.
Step 2. Practice delivering your speech out loud until you are fully prepared
The words spoken do not have to be the same as the speech script, but the content must be in line with the topic.
- Speak calmly and clearly. Do not speak too fast when giving a speech or giving a presentation because the audience will have difficulty understanding the material presented.
- Support the presentation by expressing the right emotions to better connect with your audience.
Step 3. Practice speaking to objects in the room
Think of a teddy bear, vase, or TV as an audience.
Use a mirror when practicing. Pay attention to whether you have bad habits, for example: fiddling with objects you are holding, pressing soft objects, or brushing your hair with your fingers
Step 4. Once you have learned the speech material well, practice it in front of family members and/or friends
They can provide support, feedback, and input to improve your performance during your speech. Plus, it makes you feel more comfortable speaking in front of many people.
- Ask them to provide feedback, for example: intonation, volume, and speaking tempo.
- Make good eye contact with the audience.
Step 5. Prepare yourself as best you can to appear in front of the class, go to school and deliver a speech with confidence
Tips
- When you're in front of the class or on stage, remember that your friends who are listening to you speak may also be nervous about waiting their turn so they don't pay much attention to you!
- Show confidence! You understand the topic of the speech better than the audience in class. So, be proud of the material that will be delivered so that you appear more confident when giving a speech.
- Keep your eyes on the audience, instead of staring at the floor or table in front of you. If you don't feel comfortable making eye contact with the audience, look at the audience's forehead or an object near someone, such as a box on the table behind them.
- Don't keep staring at your feet! Looking down during a speech indicates a lack of confidence and makes the audience sleepy. Is there something tugging at your feet?
- If your voice isn't loud enough, you don't feel confident, or you feel scared, ask the teacher if you can get first or second turn. Try to appear as soon as possible so that you're done with your speech before the anxiety builds up (this can help if you stay calm and breathe normally).
- Speak clearly and loudly.
- Practice standing still, not moving back and forth or rocking.
- If you feel nervous during a speech, focus on something other than the audience, for example by focusing on the clock on the wall. Look around the room so you don't look like a talking statue.
- Be grateful that you are able to give a speech because not everyone has the opportunity to do so!
