Alaina Sagan

How to Give an A Speech

Did you know that most people fear speaking in front of a group more then they fear death? Yes, it’s true and death seemed to be an option for me when I found out that I had to give a speech in front of my class for my final. I started sweating bullets as soon as the words were spoken but pushed it all behind me knowing that I had 8 weeks before that all took place.

 Those weeks seem to fly by and before I knew it I had 4 hours 33 minutes and 10 seconds left before I awaited my doom. I contemplated skipping my speech and taking a C in the class because I felt that I just could not do it. When the time came and my number was called I found out that after getting up in class that giving my speech was not that bad. I got a 96% on my speech, instead of getting a C; I got a B+ in the class. All my hard work paid off!

 Here are the guidelines that I used and you can use next time you want to get an A on your speech:

 1.Eye contact- Some people have a hard time doing this! But if you’re looking at everything else other than your audience they will know and zone out. Stare at their eyebrows instead of their eyes. They won’t know the difference.

 2.Calm, relaxed feeling- Everyone gets butterflies! Especially right before the speech. Take deep breathes, walk or meditate if you can.

 3.Vocal energy- Speak up! You need to get the whole audience involved. If the back of the room can’t hear you they will not pay attention to you and that may affect your speech.

 4.Story telling- As far as I am concerned this may be the most important one! The audience does not want to be lectured to; they want to feel like they are along for the journey with you. People love stories!

 5.Organization- This one is also important, write out your main points on flashcards. It helps keep you on track.

 6.Preparation- The best way to prepare is to practice in front of your family and friends. They can give great feedback and help you improve. Read your speech a couple times everyday so you can get familiar with your topic, but don’t memorize it you will know it so well that you will say your speech and not say anything else.

 7.Know your audience- Make sure your speech is appropriate for your audience. Find out what they might want to hear about.

 8.Get the audience involved- Let the audience ask questions! They will love you for it and enhance your speech.

 9.Visual Aids- This does not have to be extravagant! Power Point is a greatvisual aide and it is easy to use. Be careful not to talk to your visual aide.

 Use these 9 points and you will get your well deserved A! Remember to dress appropriately for the audience and watch that you’re not walking all over the room. Good luck, you can do it!

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