How to give a good speech

Speeches are important moments in our professional and personal lives. Whether it's for a business presentation, a wedding or a graduation ceremony, the success of a speech often depends on the quality of the communication.

We will give you tips on how to give a good speech and convey your message effectively.

1. Prepare yourself carefully

Before writing the first line of your speech, ask yourself two questions:

 What is the key message what message do I want to convey?
 What emotion What do I want to inspire in my audience (inspiration, pride, laughter, gratitude, etc.)?

Then pay attention to the following points:

 Do some factual or emotional research depending on the context (statistics, true stories, striking quotes).
 Write down your ideas in a mind map or table to structure your thinking.
 Be concise: an effective, punchy speech lasts between 3 and 7 minutes on average (excluding specific cases).

2. Structure your speech

The structure of your speech is essential to capture your audience's attention and convey your message clearly and effectively. The structure can vary depending on your objective and your audience. However, it is important to have an introduction, a development and a conclusion.

• The introduction: this should grab your audience's attention right from the start. You can start with a quote, an anecdote, a question or a statistic, for example. The aim of the introduction is to pique your audience's interest and make them want to find out more about what you have to say.
  

  Example: «80 % of people forget a speech 10 minutes after hearing it. Today, I'm going to make sure you're one of the remaining 20 %.»

• Development: this is the central part of your speech. It should be structured and well-organised, to convey your message clearly and effectively. You can use sub-headings to divide the development into several parts and make the speech easier to follow. Also make sure you link the different parts of your speech together, to give coherence to the whole.

 Use the rule of 3: three examples, three anecdotes, three strong ideas.

• The conclusion: this is the last part of your speech. It should sum up your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience. You can conclude your speech with a quote, an anecdote or a question to give your audience something to think about.

 Finish with a emotionally powerful phrase (quote, acknowledgement, call to action or open question).

3. Use concrete examples

Concrete examples are an excellent way of making your speech more lively and easier to understand. They make it easier for your audience to visualise what you're saying and understand its significance. For example, if you're giving a presentation on a product, you can use concrete examples to show how the product can be used in everyday life.

 Vary the format: personal examples, current events, cultural references or quotations.
 Appeal to the five senses: the more precise a mental image, the more it will stick in your audience's mind.

4. Mastering your non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in the quality of your speech. It can affect your audience's attention and their perception of you. Here are some elements of non-verbal communication that you need to master:

• Eye contact: look your audience in the eye.
• Gestures: Use natural gestures to reinforce your message and help you express yourself. However, avoid excessive or repetitive gestures that may distract your audience.
• Posture: adopt an upright, open posture to give an impression of confidence and self-assurance. Avoid closed postures, such as folded arms, which can give the impression of distance.
• Voice: Vary your tone and volume to keep your audience's attention. Speak clearly and distinctly so that your message is understood by everyone.

5. Practise before the speech

Practice is essential for a good speech. Rehearse your speech several times before the presentation, to make sure you know your lines well and have mastered your non-verbal communication. You can also ask friends or colleagues to listen to your speech and give you feedback.

 Repeat aloud in front of a mirror, a friend or record yourself.
 Time yourself to keep to the time limit.
 Repeat the first few sentences until they come out naturally: this builds confidence right from the start.

6. Be yourself

Finally, the key to a good speech is to be yourself. Don't try to imitate someone else's style or way of speaking. Be authentic and natural, so that your speech reflects your personality and your values.

 Avoid unnecessary jargon. Speak with your words, your emotions, your voice.
 Allow yourself a touch of humour or self-mockery, if that suits you.
 Demonstrate your controlled vulnerability if the moment is right: it creates a connection.

Making a good speech can seem daunting, but with a little preparation and practice, you can convey your message effectively and win over your audience. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can improve your communication skills and make every speech a memorable moment.

At OSAM Formations, we firmly believe that public speaking and storytelling are essential skills for any professional who wants to succeed in their field. That's why we've designed a comprehensive training programme tailored to the needs of individuals and companies who want to improve their communication skills.

Here are a few reasons why our training course is ideal for learning public speaking and storytelling:

1. Experienced trainers: all our trainers are communication professionals with solid experience in public speaking and storytelling. 
2. Innovative training methods: our training is based on methods that encourage active learning and learner participation. We use tools such as role-playing, practical exercises and case studies to enable participants to learn in a concrete and effective way.
3. Tangible results: our training is designed to produce concrete, measurable results. We are committed to helping our participants improve their communication skills, boost their self-confidence and have a positive impact on their audience.