Woo hoo! You’re almost there! If you’ve been participating in this challenge since day one, you’ve had a chance to fine-tune your central message(s), consider your audience, and learned from other speakers you admire. Today, let’s do some work on writing an engaging speech outline.
DAY FOUR: CRAFT A COMPELLING SPEECH AROUND YOUR MESSAGE
Let’s work on crafting a compelling speech using powerful elements.
Create an outline as your starting point:
- Attention-grabbing introduction (stories and anecdotes work well)
- Transition to central statement and preview of main points
- Three to five main points, supported with credible sources and smoothly linked
- Transition to summary/conclusion
- Memorable conclusion (most effective when referencing introductory story)
As you write, focus on delivering value to your audience. If this is informational, are your word choices appropriate for the audience members’ level of knowledge on the subject? If this is motivational, have you included a call to action when necessary?
Use active verbs and descriptive language.
Infuse the presentation with appropriate emotion and enthusiasm.
Name your sources.
Check back tomorrow for the last step of our five-day challenge. Know someone who might benefit? Pass this along!
