Tip #24: The First Step in Writing or Preparing your Speech

Arlen Busenitz — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:31:50 +0000

When you are preparing a speech, what is your first step? Do you brainstorm a topic, make an outline, or research? Consider this next speaking tip:

Speech Preparation Tip #24: Find your Chris and Prepare the Speech for Chris.

Several months ago I spoke to about 50 energetic jr. highers. As I was preparing, I selected another jr higher in the area whom I’ll call Chris. He was a good representative of the audience I was speaking to. I prepared speech as if I was giving it to Chris.

I asked myself several questions.

What problems does Chris have?
What would keep Chris’s attention?
What info will help Chris?

I kept asking these questions and prepared a customized keynote for Chris. Yes, audiences are diverse and I did seek to add material to target the whole room because of the various backgrounds of the audience.

However, by focusing on one person it allowed me give a specific speech tailored for that audience. The result? Great interaction and a keynote that hit home.

Simple principle but very powerful.

Here are a few public speaking tips on preparing to speak to one person:

Select someone you know who represents the audience.
Ask yourself, “What would I say if it was just this individual in the room?”
Tailor the speech so it appeals to and impacts the diversity of people in the room.
Prepare for one, but appeal to all

Arlen Busenitz

Arlen Busenitz is an experienced speaker with over 650 presentations. He is Author of several books, CD's,and creator of Become a Better Speaker in One Evening™

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Speaking Info » Preparing for Chris

Tip #24: The First Step in Writing or Preparing your Speech

Arlen Busenitz