A speech can have many styles, it depends on the speaker's intent.
It may be motivational, where the speaker ignites a fire in the audience's belly to do something that will make a positive change in their life, like me encouraging you to join Toastmasters!
It may be informative, where the speaker educates you on an issue, or cause, like a climate change activist letting you know the latest statistics about global warming.
It might be humorous or entertaining, where the speaker makes you laugh!
Or it may be instructional, where a speaker teaches you the way of doing something. In fact, almost anything you hear from another person could be considered a type of speech.
Can speaking be learned? Yes of course. There are lots of great charismatic, motivational speakers, and the majority of them have learned the art of public speaking by practicing their craft. You can too.
First of all, it must be interesting and relevant to the audience. When you consider delivering a speech, you should use the 'What's in it for me?' approach. Think about it from the audience point of view. Why should they listen to what you have to say? Be sure what you're delivering is adding value to them.
Please don't try to be the next Tony Robbins or Martin Luther King, you need to be yourself and find your own speaking style. You can take inspiration from such famous orators, but don't simply copy them. Just be you, after all, there is no one else in the world like you! You're unique, and your stories are too. The key thing is to be authentic.
There are many different ways you can add to your style of speaking. You could add humour. That doesn't mean you should be telling lots of jokes. Rather, use gentle or even self-deprecating humour, avoid picking on the audience and making jokes about them as it can lead to disaster.
Other ways to address your style is by what you're wearing. You might always speak wearing a tie, or you may take a more relaxed approach. It might be you have a certain branding asset or colour theme - be sure it's consistent so it becomes associated with you and your work. You might have a prop linked to you and your brand again use it every time so the audience can recognise you and become familiar. You might have a catch phrase, again, be consistent, but also be original. Don't go stealing someone else's!
Where can you go to practice these different styles of speaking? Why not try Toastmasters International? There is bound to be a club near you where you can practice in a safe environment and get great feedback. You might also volunteer to do a showcase at one of the PSA events where you can get even more feedback.
Join us as a guest at a meeting to find out how Toastmasters can help you. We meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Phil Heath
Treasurer and Found Member of Strictly Speaking Harrogate Toastmasters
About Phil
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