Life’s Grand Mosaic

by snappybex

The reason many speeches fail is that the speaker does not understand one simple fact:

A speech is a dialogue, not a monologue.

You are the speaker and the audience is a silently questioning listener.

In the listener’s mind you are having a conversation and their side of it will include “that makes sense”, “interesting but why is …?” and “can you tell me about something else as well?”

The success of your speech depends on answering these silent questions.

The first step to creating this dialog is that you are already persuaded by your ideas. To engage in the conversation you must have feeling for your subject and commitment to your ideas.

Secondly, when you are speaking you must be natural, real, sincere and earnest. Remember that public speaking is creative and constructive.  You are not reciting or acting for your audience.

Thirdly, it is important to have an understanding of your audience.  Information that will change the way you present your ideas includes:

• age;
• educational level;
• sex;
• cultural background;
• interests;
• customs, values and prejudices
• mood;
• number; and
• regional or sectional biases.

The more you adapt your speech to your audience, the better chance you will have of joining the conversation in their minds.

Aim to use words, phrases, illustrations, and arguments that you think your audience will readily understand. Avoid anything which would cause confusion, distraction, or prejudice.

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