Elements of an Effective Speech 

According to Lenny Laskowski (1997), anyone can give a speech but not everyone can give an effective speech. He suggests that to give an effective speech, there are six elements to consider and they are: 

1. Be Prepared – 

This is the most important element. As a general rule, you should spend about 30 hours of preparation and rehearsal time for every hour you will be speaking. Use a tape recorder or videotape yourself. This will help you to get an accurate picture of how you speak. 

2. Give of Yourself – 

Use personal examples and stories in your speech whenever possible. Make sure your stories help to emphasize or support your point. The stories must match your message. Use examples from your personal and professional life to make your point. In either case be willing to give of yourself by sharing some of yourself with the audience. 

3. Stay Relaxed – 

To stay relaxed you should be prepared. Also, focus on your message and not the audience. Use gestures, including walking patterns. Practice the opening of your speech and plan exactly how you will say it. The audience will judge you in the first 30 seconds they see you. 

4. Use Natural Humour – 

Do not try to be a stand-up comedian. Use natural humour by poking fun at yourself and something you said or did. Be sure NOT to make fun of anyone in the audience. People will laugh with you when you poke fun at yourself but do not over do it. 

5. Plan your Body and Hand Positions – 

During the practice of your speech, look for occasions where you can use a gesture. Pick three positions, one on centre stage, one to your right, and one to your left. Do not hide behind the lectern. When you do move, maintain eye contact with the audience. 

6. Pay Attention to all Details – 

Make sure you have the right location and how to get there. Ask how large an audience you will be speaking to. Make sure you bring all your visual aids and plenty of handouts. Arrive early so you can check out where you will be speaking and make any last minute adjustments. Remember, "He who fails to plan is planning for failure." 

Speech Preparation as a Process 

According to Lenny Laskowski (1997), real speech preparation means digging something out of yourself. You have to gather facts and arrange your thoughts. As you collect the ideas, you have to nurture your ideas and think about a unique way to express them in an organized manner. He suggests that a speech needs time to grow. He suggests to think about the speech always until the ideas sink into your subconscious. As you prepare every speech, he suggests asking yourself the following questions:

(1) What is the purpose of this speech?

(2) Who is the audience? What is their main interest in this topic?

(3) What do I really know and believe about this topic as it relates to this audience?

(4) What additional research can I do?

(5) What are the main points of this presentation?

(6) What supporting information and stories can I use to support each of my main points?

(7) What visuals aids do I need?

(8) Do I have an effective opening attention getter?

(9) In my concluding remarks, how will I plan to tell them what's in it for me?

(10) Have I copyedited the language and words in my speech?

(11) Have I prepared a written and concise introduction of myself?

(12) Have I taken care of the little details that will help me speak more confidently?