Introduction Often times we are asked to make speeches but most people don't know how to go about preparing a speech.
Other times you may be asked to do an unprepared speech without preparing.
You must always be ready in and out of season.
I have prepared ten issues you must a list of questions to help us in preparing an effective speech.
1.
Why have you been asked to speak at that particular occasion? There is a special reason why you have been handpicked to speak at this occasion.
You may be required to offer a solution to a problem the audience may have, or you are there to provide information to create understanding on an issue of conflict or controversy.
Have you been invited to share your special knowledge on a topic? Will you be celebrating a special occasion or making an award presentation? Do you seek to motivate your audience to make a change? Or are you merely talking to entertain? This will determine your topic that you will speak on.
2.
What are you going to speak about? The topic of your speech or the subject of your presentation must be one that addresses the issues at hand, connects with your audience and above all achieves your speaking goal.
3.
Who will I be speaking to? Know your audience.
Analyse their social, cultural, demographic profile.
Their understanding of certain languages.
For example, most people have a fair understanding of the English language as a second language, but you may need to be conversant with local languages if you are addressing people in the rural areas.
4.
How do I assess my situation? You need to consider the occasion in terms of Who did what? When? Where? Why and how? It is important to know to whom are you speaking, when are you speaking, why are you speaking, what are you speaking about and how are you going to speak 5.
How do I interact with my audience during my talk? You need to engage your audience so that they do not get bored and fall asleep.
Use visual aids and obtain feedback during your talk.
6.
What will you be speaking about? Why should you in particular be making this speech.
Having clarified issues above you now need to find the topic.
What do you want to talk about and what experience and expertise do you have on the topic? What are your personal concerns or emotions? 7.
Research you topic carefully and limit the scope of your speech.
There are many sources of information to inspire you.
Brainstorm a lot but remain focused.
8.
Develop your central idea.
Can your audience be able to sum up the main idea that you were talking about.
Address the major issue in your introduction, body and conclusion.
9.
Does my speech grab attention, does it break through the clutter and does it communicate a consistent and clear message? Audiences have a short attention span so if you to say something, say it.
There is no need to be long - winded and take a lot of time.
10.
Your audience will question whether your main points "proved your central idea to be true".
Furthermore, they'll question whether your argument is accurate, comprehensive and clear.
Can you think of other points that might be needed to further support your central idea.