February 2010

Speech Writing

Writing a speech is very different from writing an article, brief or proposal. Speaking and writing are distinctive versions of the same language, unique in their output, syntax and function. Presenters and trainers need to appreciate the differences

May I Quote You

By Stephen Boyd | August 5, 2009

When people can express ideas better or more creatively than you, quote them! Michel de Montage said, "I quote others only the better to express myself." That thought is why the speaker should look for quotations that he or she can use to increase the value of content as well as motivating the audience to pay attention to the thought expressed from the quotation.

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The Value Of Transitions

By Stephen Boyd | June 24, 2009

Careful transitions are an important part of preparation. A transition is a bridge from Point A to Point B - a connection between two points. If you learn to use specific transitions, you will improve the fluency of your speech as well as avoiding the verbalized pauses and unnecessary words. Good transitions demonstrate a command of language, thus enhancing your credibility.

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Speaking On Short Notice

By Stephen Boyd | May 14, 2009

You may not always have adequate time for thorough preparation before you give a speech. For example, someone gets sick, or there is a death in the family, or a snowstorm cancels flights and the speaker can't get to the program. You are called at the last minute to fill in. Here are some things to keep in mind.

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Strategies For Emergency Speech Surgery

By Stephen Boyd | April 1, 2009

One of the toughest challenges in speaking is when you are told a day or an hour before you speak that because of extenuating circumstances you must cut your 30-minute presentation to 20 minutes. You have prepared carefully and you know you have at least 30 minutes of important material. What do you do?

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The Ps Of Preparing A Presentation

By Stephen Boyd | November 5, 2008

A speech well-prepared is nine-tenths delivered. This thought points to the importance of careful preparation of your presentations. You cannot cram for a speech like you can for a test. You cannot fake a good presentation - preparation is a must.

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Be Concise!

By Stephen Boyd | January 28, 2008

We talk too much in our society. For our speeches to have more impact, let us consider talking less. When we do talk, we should say what we need to say in as few words as possible.

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Contents Of The Ideal Speech

By Stephen Boyd | January 4, 2007

Any time you are assigned to deliver a speech, you may wonder what to include or what will guarantee a great speech. To a degree it depends on the audience and the purpose of your speech, but there are certain items to include that will fit most kinds of audiences and most kinds of speeches. The purpose of this article is to examine what those parts might be.

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Scripting Out Key Messages

By Stephen Boyd | September 15, 2005

Have you ever considered how often you deal with similar problems or situations? In most occupations, you dont have 200 unique messages to communicate each day, but rather maybe a dozen similar situations. To immediately improve your interpersonal relationships, keep track of those similar important situations and develop scripts that you write out and become familiar with.

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Need To Know Versus Nice To Know

By Stephen Boyd | December 31, 2004

One of the most challenging parts of preparing a speech is deciding what to include. One way of limiting your topic is to consider what would be nice for the audience to know as opposed to what the audience needs to know on your subject.

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Ponder To Prepare

By Stephen Boyd | September 14, 2004

Spend time pondering what you plan to say in your next speech. Just thinking about your speech while driving your car or walking your dog is a valuable step in preparation. Start preparing far enough in advance of the day your speech will be delivered to spend ample time in pondering the possibilities for your presentation.

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Be Brief!

By Stephen Boyd | July 26, 2004

People today expect short speeches. Keep stories under two minutes. When possible say less rather than more. Know the length of your speech by practicing it. Have few points and learn to divide parts of your speech into time segments. Current great speakers are known by their brevity.

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Design Your Speech Not Write It

By Speaking Tips | December 1, 2003

Speaking and writing are distinctive versions of the same language, unique in their output, syntax and function. Presenters and trainers need to appreciate the differences to know when to speak, to write or to use both in tandem.

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How To Organize The Body Of A Speech

By Speaking Tips | November 17, 2003

A speech generally falls into three parts, the introduction, the main body and the conclusion each with it's own unique function. The body of the speech is the biggest and is where the majority of information is transferred. Consequently, it requires careful thought and consideration to organize the body of a speech effectively.

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Keeping Your Speaking Well From Going Dry

By Stephen Boyd | April 30, 2003

If you speak a lot, there are times when you may feel your material is getting stale and you lose enthusiasm for your content. When that happens you need new material that excites you and thus makes your speeches more stimulating.

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