Many people feel afraid and stressed when they have to speak in front of an audience, especially if the time to prepare a speech is very short. If you are asked to make a speech at a wedding, funeral, or other kinship event, share things you know, for example: telling an anecdote or giving a quote and giving a short speech. If you have to give a speech in a professional setting, use the "hypothesis-and-proof" method as a quick way to draft a concise speech. Take deep breaths so that you feel calmer and more confident to deliver a good speech even without proper preparation.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Anecdotes
Step 1. Tell a story you already know well
You don't have to compose the speech text yourself. To make it easier and faster to prepare yourself, share a personal experience so that you can speak fluently because you have experienced it yourself. For example:
- At the wedding: tell a funny story you had as a child with the bride or groom.
- At the funeral: talk about how generous and kind the deceased was or how big the role the deceased was in your life.
Step 2. Begin your speech by delivering a quote
This method relies more on information that many people already know, rather than putting together a sentence that must be conveyed. Look for inspirational quotes, song lyrics, or famous sayings that fit the situation you're giving your speech. Start your speech by saying these things and then discuss them briefly.
For example: imagine that you are asked to give a speech at Frengki's 70th birthday party. Start your speech with the saying: "Who says we can't teach old dogs new tricks? Frengki can prove that it's not true. I've only met 1 person who is still running marathons after retiring."
Step 3. Write a short and memorable speech
Manuscripts that are too long and rambling are the main causes of errors during speeches. Don't talk too much. Instead, deliver a short speech that focuses on 2-5 key points or supporting facts.
- For example: if you were asked to make a speech at a wedding, tell me about 2 memorable experiences you've had as a friend of the groom.
- If your audience starts to get distracted, chattering, checking their phones or clocks, and seems agitated, they may not be interested anymore because your speech is long-winded.
- If you catch the signal, get right to the point and then say "thank you" in closing.
Step 4. Speak clearly and calmly
Experienced speakers sometimes still feel nervous when asked to give a speech without preparation. To deal with nervousness, take deep breaths before starting your speech and occasionally pause during your speech. Say each word with clear articulation and don't speak too fast.
Step 5. Show confidence
Many people feel nervous when asked to give a speech, especially if the time to prepare is very short. However, the audience will applaud if you appear confident. Plus, they'll be super supportive because they're happy to be free from the chore to deliver the speech!
- An easy way to build confidence before a speech is to take a few deep, calm breaths or close your eyes imagining you're in a nice place.
- Look at your audience looking for a few people you know or seem supportive of and then focus on them.
- If you're still nervous, imagine you're making a speech into the microphone at a radio station!
- However, remember that many people will admire the courage of someone who is able to stand up and speak in front of an audience.
Method 2 of 3: Compose a Short Speech
Step 1. Prepare a speech outline if you have time
A speech with a script is always better than nothing. If you still have a few minutes before your speech, write down a few important words in a list. Use these notes to remind you of the main idea you want to convey to make your speech more focused.
If you don't have time to take notes, mentally outline your speech by saying to yourself, for example, "First, I'm going to tell you how nice Jim was that he changed my tire that blew out in the middle of the night. Then Jim made his own birthday cake. for me when I lay sick with the flu."
Step 2. Focus your speech by delivering memorable opening and closing sentences
The audience will remember the information presented at the beginning and end of the speech more than in the middle. Take advantage of this to convey important points at the beginning and end of your speech, for example:
- Motivational story
- Facts or statistical data that foster confidence
- Inspirational quotes
Step 3. Prepare a speech with the pros and cons of your idea
This method helps you structure your explanation in a focused manner. Start by conveying the positive side of the idea you convey followed by the obstacles and then share your opinion. For example, you are asked to explain the benefits of casual clothing every Friday:
- Start your speech by saying that it will increase morale, productivity, and make the company look like it's following trends.
- Continue by explaining that this creates a less formal working atmosphere on the weekends and needs to be given some guidelines as to what casual attire is allowed.
- Convey your opinion by saying that almost all client meetings occur at the beginning of the week, so casual fashion every Friday will benefit the company and not interfere with daily activities.
Step 4. Deliver the speech in the form of a question and answer session
If you don't know what to say yet or are very nervous about giving a speech, position yourself more as the moderator of the discussion than the speaker. Give the audience the opportunity to ask questions or opinions.
- For example, start your speech by saying: "We're all considering a plan to wear casual every Friday and of course we have a lot of opinions to share. Let's start the discussion by opening the door if anyone wants to ask a question or give an opinion."
- Ask someone who plays an important role to speak, for example: "Frengki, your experience is the most of those of us present here. How about you share it with us?"
Method 3 of 3: Using the "PREP" Method for Speeches on a Specific Topic
Step 1. Present the main idea
PREP stands for "Point (idea), Reason (reason), Example (fact), Point (idea)" which is useful for helping you organize speech material. Start by bringing up a hot issue that you want to discuss. For example, imagine that you are asked to make a spontaneous speech in support of a plan to wear casual every Friday:
Start by expressing the opinion that the regulation will increase employee motivation
Step 2. Support the above statement by explaining why your opinion needs to be carried out
Remember that you are trying to convince your audience. For example, emphasize that employee motivation plays an important role in the progress of the company because it can increase productivity and reduce employee turnover.
Step 3. Present facts to prove your point of view
To be trustworthy, you must provide evidence, explanations, or examples to support your opinion. Continuing the example above, provide evidence that competitors are increasingly successful after implementing the rule.
Step 4. Restate the main idea that you stated at the beginning of the speech
Explain to the audience that what you have to say will be of benefit to them. End the speech by stating the main idea one more time for the audience to remember. For example, close the speech by emphasizing that wearing casual clothes every Friday will benefit both the employee and the company.
