Five Important Elements of a Good Speech
- Structure
- Visual Effects
- Humor
- Credibility
- Call to Action
When it comes to the main components of a good speech, one could essentially make a never-ending list. In reality, however, there are some basic requirements that must be satisfied in order to deliver a solid presentation. Luckily, public speaking is a skill that can be mastered with time and people who may be unaware of these elements can certainly learn them.
1. Structure
Delivering a good speech is impossible if the audience cannot distinguish between the introduction, credibility references, conclusion, a call to action, and so on. To that end, it is crucial to have a structured delivery that clearly outlines different portions of the presentation. A simple way to do this is to rely on subtle, silent pauses that demonstrate a transition to another portion of the speech. Additionally, one could even use visual effects to change the idea and the topic as a sign of entering a new part of the speech.
2. Visual Effects
Although it depends on the environment, most venues permit for public speakers to utilize visual aids. These can include anything from basic power points to more complex handouts and on-stage demonstration. Regardless, the main idea is to simplify the speech by allowing the audience to visualize the presentation. Additionally, these aids can be used to help one better organize the speech and ensure they do not go over the time limits. Not to mention that the easiest way to introduce the next component of a good speech, which is humor, is by displaying it visually.
3. Humor
One of the most overlooked elements of a solid presentation is usually humor. Although delivering important information must be done professionally, keeping a light atmosphere is critical. It helps the listeners relax and retain an increased amount of information. Furthermore, humor is great for cheering up topics that may seem overly serious for certain venues. It also emphasizes the speaker’s personality and helps him connect with the crowd in a more intimate manner.
4. Credibility
Sometimes, the listener may be skeptical about the source of information. This is where credibility comes in. If the speaker wants to receive someone’s undivided attention, they must give them a reason to listen, as an article in Forbes points out. The first way to do so is to introduce oneself to the audience during the introduction. This will help list relevant experiences that make the speaker an authoritative source. The other option is to be a certified professional who holds college degrees and titles which qualify him to share a story in question.
5. Call to Action
Ultimately, it is impossible to finalize a list of components of a good speech without inserting a call to action. For those unfamiliar, this is where the speaker gives the audience ideas that will get them involved. Meaning, they explain how they can take tangible action to contribute to the idea which was discussed during the speech. For instance, talking about homelessness should usually end with one sharing a list of homeless shelters nearby. That way, people in the audience can get involved and look for ways to help those in need.
Although there are many more important details, satisfying the aforementioned five elements could be the first step towards presenting fruitfully. As one gets more experienced, however, they can certainly add other components of a good speech to further improve their execution.