The one thing you must do before you write a speech!

A few months ago, I needed to buy a new laptop.

I had read tons of online reviews and was thoroughly confused. I was bamboozled by the smorgasbord of technical acronyms, jargon, brand names and model numbers and I thought my spinning head was going to explode.

When I stepped into the computer store, I was naively counting on the computer salesperson to help me navigate through the quagmire. He was affable enough, but not too forthcoming with advice. As I grilled him with questions, he politely answered me, but to my chagrin, did not shed any light on which computer would be right for me. Dejected, I tried another store. No difference. Computers as far as the eye could see and pleasant but useless salespeople standing around chatting on the floor.

And then – miracle of miracles - I struck gold in the 3rd store. Here was the best Computer Salesperson I have ever encountered. It was definitely a case of 3rd time lucky! Rather than me cross-examining the salesperson, Daniel, my salesperson, asked me what I wanted and needed in a computer. What was my main purpose for this new laptop? Did I want a higher-end, better quality machine? What was my price range? How about storage requirements? Not only did he ask smart questions, he dispensed invaluable advice. He told me which brands I should consider avoiding based on feedback from his customers and his own observations.

Daniel was like a breath of fresh air. I loved it that he asked me lots of questions, and once he understood what I needed, presented me with a short-list of two laptops. He demystified the sales process, and magically took all my confusion away.

Just as Daniel asked questions of me, when you are charged with the job of writing a speech or a PowerPoint presentation, you have to ask lots of questions to fully understand your speech’s requirements. 

Start writing your speech by asking some QUESTIONS.

Whatever you do, do not just launch in and start writing the speech.

Be like Daniel and assume the role of a curious and helpful salesperson who wants to propose the best solution possible!

Let’s say you have been asked to give a short speech at your friend’s upcoming birthday party.

The first question you have to ask yourself is: Do I even want to give this speech? If you feel comfortable writing and delivering the speech, read on, but if you feel nervous or tentative for any reason, you may want to politely decline the invitation.

Assuming you are happy to move forward with your speech – You now need to ask the 5W’s and the H Questions, namely the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW.

The WHY Of Your Speech

Why are you even giving a speech or presentation?

You certainly aren’t giving a speech for the sake of it!

You need to be very clear on the reason or purpose for you giving this presentation.

In the case of a birthday speech, you may have been asked to present an uplifting, “feel-good” speech that honours your friend’s special qualities, as seen through the lens of your friendship.

The WHO Of Your Speech

It’s essential to “know” your audience.

Consider things such as their age range, ratio of women to men, education level, economic status, family status (e.g. parents, grand-parents), professional status, attitude towards your topic and their motivation for being there on the day.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Consider whatever other factors and demographics you deem to be relevant and important.

In the example of a birthday speech, after speaking with my friend, and asking who will be there, I know that there will be roughly 70% women and 30% men, comprising relatives and close family friends. It will be a mainly older, more strait-laced, serious and conservative crowd.

Knowing the makeup of my audience is giving me more clarity as to what to include in my speech. So, I can create a speech that will resonate with them and that they will enjoy.

The WHAT Of Your Speech

WHAT is your speech’s purpose? For example – is it to inform, entertain, motivate, persuade, or a combination of these?

WHAT is your speech’s theme or main message? In the case of a birthday speech, the main message could be about the wonderful qualities of your friend.

Just like “All roads lead to Rome”, everything you discuss in your speech – all the stories, anecdotes, jokes, images, facts and figures – must lead back to your main message.

Now you know your main message, you can decide on the three to five main points you want to include in your speech. In my opinion, three points are ideal – just the right number for both you and the audience!

In the case of a birthday speech, I would include three compelling short stories or anecdotes that illustrate the wonderful qualities of my friend.

The WHERE Of Your Speech

Where exactly will you be delivering your speech, in terms of the location and venue?

Or in the age of COVID-19, you may be delivering a virtual speech or presentation. Which means that you may need to be familiar with video-conferencing tools, such as ZOOM. (see the HOW questions below).

The WHEN Of Your Speech

The When covers the date and time of your speech, along with how long you will be required to speak. Will there be a Question and Answer at the end, and if so, how long will this be?

The HOW Of Your Speech

This covers all the logistics and environmental questions to ensure that your presentation runs smoothly.

Some questions to ask include:

-          What is the size of the room?

-          What are the acoustics like? Will you need a microphone?

-          What about the audio-visual facilities that will be provided? E.g. a laptop, projector, screen, speaker system, microphone

-          Will there be a lectern?

-          How will the room be arranged?

-          Approximately how many audience members will be present?

-          What is your placement on the agenda? (first, middle, last)

-          Who is your go-to person to help you in advance of the big day on the day itself?

-          If your speech is virtual, do you need to purchase a ZOOM licence?

To Summarise

Once you have conducted a comprehensive analysis and have answers to the 5W’s and the H questions, you should have more clarity and confidence as to the requirements of your speech.

You are now ready to build the blueprint or structure for your speech, and to slot your three main points into this structure.

Which is another blog post topic for another day!

In closing, when you want to write a good speech, be like Daniel, that great computer salesman, and ask lots of questions, so you can ultimately design and write a great speech that your audience will love!

© 2020 Susan Weser.  All rights reserved.