Did you know that speech is the original form of communication? In fact, human beings have been speaking to each other for thousands of years, and it's played a huge role in shaping our world. Speech has allowed us to build civilizations, create laws, and communicate with one another on a much deeper level than any other animal species can.
But what is it about speech that makes it so special? Is it just the ability to share information, or is there something more to it? I believe that speech is actually a very powerful tool. It can be used to communicate with others, but it can also be used for self-expression and personal growth. And best of all, it's free!
So why do people speak? The answer is simple: because speech allows us to share our thoughts, feelings, and opinions with others. Here are a few tips on how to speak with clarity, brevity, power and authority:
Speak with Clarity - One of the most important aspects of speaking is clarity. You want your audience to hear every word, understand exactly what you're saying, and follow along with the conversation.
Speak Clearly - It's not enough just to be clear in your speech; you also need to speak clearly so that people can actually hear and understand what's being said! And if you're going for brevity in your speech, make sure every word counts.
Avoid Slang and Jargon - Slang and jargon can be confusing for listeners, so it's best to avoid using them whenever possible. If you must use them, make sure you explain what they mean before continuing with your speech.
Use Simple Language - When speaking to a general audience, it's important to use language that is easy for everyone to understand. This means avoiding words or phrases that are too complex, technical, or specialized in nature .
Use Short Sentences - Using short sentences will help keep your listeners engaged and attentive by keeping their attention focused on what you're saying. Using shorter sentences also makes it more likely that your listeners will remember what you said.
Be Concise - When it comes to speeches, less is more. Don't try to cram too much information into a single talk; instead, focus on the most important points and make sure that your audience understands them. Remember: The more concise your speech is, the more effective it will be.
Speak with Confidence - When it comes to public speaking, confidence is key. If you have doubts about your ability, then this will come across in your voice and body language which can make people less likely to listen. People who are nervous when they speak tend to have a higher voice, so it is important that you strive for the proper tone. Your voice is an important part of your presentation, so it’s critical that you pay attention to the power behind each word and phrase. The way in which you deliver your message can make or break your success as a speaker. If your words are spoken with authority and conviction, they will have more meaning than if you mumble.
If possible, try practicing in front of others or recording your speech on video before delivering it live. You can then listen back and adjust your posture accordingly to project more confidence through your voice.
Speak to Educate - Speak to your audience, not at them. Don't try to teach everything you know. Instead, focus on the most important points and make sure that your audience understands what you're saying.
When you speak to educate, it shows that you care about your listeners and that you want them to walk away with something valuable. It also makes you look like an authority on the subject matter, which can help build trust with your audience.
Speak to Explain - Find ways in which you can explain the details behind an event or situation, and then subtly weave them into your presentation. By doing this it will become easier for people to remember what they hear because when information is broken down in smaller bits of data, it becomes far more memorable.
Speak from Experience - The best speeches are ones where the speaker shares something personal about themselves or tells a story from their life. This is because it makes them relatable and easy for people to connect with on an emotional level!
Speak with Authority - The best speakers know how to use their voice as an instrument of change, which means that they must speak from the heart.
You can't be an effective speaker if you're not inspired by what you have to say or believe in it wholeheartedly yourself! People crave connection, transparency and vulnerability. Your words can shift them out of apathy and into empathy and compassion.
Speak to Inspire - The best speakers are those who can inspire their listeners to take action. A great speech is one that motivates people, creates change in them and moves them forward with confidence and empowerment!
The most inspiring speeches are often ones where the speaker shares something personal about themselves or tells a story from their life.
Speak to Persuade - Speak with confidence and authority in order to persuade people of something they may not believe or understand. It's important that when you speak, your audience knows what position you’re taking on an issue .
Make sure that you are well-informed on the topic you're discussing, and always be prepared to answer any questions your listeners may have. When it comes to persuasion, there is no room for error. So make sure you know what you're talking about!
Speak from the Heart - One of the most important aspects of giving a speech is to speak from your heart. Be authentic and genuine with people, don't just tell them what they want to hear; instead give them something that comes straight outta ya! When you ask for help or advice about something difficult in life, do this without hesitation .
Speak with Emotion - When you're giving a speech, it's important to make sure that your words have meaning. The best way to do this is by using emotion in your voice and body language. This will help people connect with what you're saying on an emotional level, making them more likely to remember it later on down the line!
Speak with Passion - When giving a speech, try to convey your passion and enthusiasm in your body language as well as words. Do this by standing up straight, smiling often , gesturing frequently during the presentation (but not too much!) and making eye contact with your listeners.
Speak to Entertain - Use humor when speaking at all times! Not only does this make your presentation more entertaining, but it also helps to ensure that your audience have a great time. This is why humor plays such an important part in a presentation. The emotions you generate throughout your speech will help to ensure that it is memorable, and also have the added benefit of keeping your audience engaged.
Speak with Humor - A great speech can be made even better by adding some humor to it. Using humor in your speeches will help keep them interesting and entertaining for the audience, but don't overdo it! Too much joking around may make people lose interest or not take you seriously , so use this technique sparingly .
The aforementioned tips are shared to remind you that your voice matters.
So why do people speak? Well, there are a lot of reasons! People use speech to share information, persuade others of something they may not believe or understand, and express themselves emotionally. But one of the most important reasons to speak is so that you can connect with others on a deeper level. When we speak to someone, we're not just exchanging information - we're building a connection that can last long into the future!
Speech is actually a powerful force that can change the world. Think about it. Speech has been responsible for some of the biggest changes in history. It's the tool that Martin Luther King Jr. used to spread his message of peace and equality, and it's what Gandhi used to achieve Indian independence. These are just a few examples of how speech can be used to make a difference in the world.
So use these tips to help you become a better speaker, and change the world one conversation at a time! :)
INQUIRY
As you glance back over the different ways you can communicate with your audience, which of these tips will you integrate into your speaker toolkit?
Kadena Tate
Hi! I am Kadena Tate. As a revenue strategist and subscription business model designer, I empower women small business owners to scale with subscriptions and unlock their path to riches.
https://www.kadenatate.com