Tributes and Speeches
Start with the content and then PRACTICE
Your big day is coming
and time is growing short. You've got to make a speech. Perhaps
it is a tribute to a colleague or business presentation. Or
maybe a toast at a wedding.
You want to have a touch of humor, some stories and facts, and a
memorable conclusion. But how does it all come together?
You've heard enough bad speeches to know what to avoid:
rambling, monotone voice, endless regurgitation of facts, too
many filler words. Perhaps you should consider a speechwriter.
Inexperienced speakers often kid themselves into thinking they
just want to speak off the cuff or from their heart so they will
seem more authentic. That strategy almost never works and shows
a disrespect for your audience.
Mark Twain knew the importance of planning and practice when he
famously quipped that is someone wanted a two-hour speech, he
could start right away but he'd need two weeks to prepare a good
five-minute talk.
For tips on developing an engaging
speech, visit my
companion
website. Start working on your outline. And if you would
like my help with your upcoming speech, please
email me with at least a few weeks lead time.