Writing a persuasive speech is by no means an easy process. When you write a speech for your public performance or when a ghostwriter writes a speech for a public person, you need to consider more factors than when writing a text intended to be read in magazines or on portals. Minutes can seem like an eternity when you're listening to a boring speaker. Therefore, we've compiled a list of the most important things about making great speeches. We hope the following text will give you helpful information about writing a persuasive speech and improving your speaking skills.
Select a Topic and Angle
To begin with, you need to be specific and sure about the topic, the public, and the context. You need to know your speech’s topic, what you want to convey, and to whom your presentation is intended. A good story needs a beginning, a plot and an end. It is the same with persuasive speaking. Each part is equally important. You don't have an attentive listener/viewer without a good introduction. Without a compelling ending, the presentation leaves the impression of being unfinished.
The introduction should serve as a potent trigger sentence, a brief introduction of the speaker and the topic, and a magnetic attraction to the audience. When we draw listeners into our world, the structure elaborates speech topics in a unique, compelling, entertaining, yet informative way.
Transitions between the introduction and the body of the text and between each paragraph must be meaningful and not disjointed. Try to make your sentences as simple as possible, considering pronunciation and diction. If the closing words are not clear and directly related to the topic you spoke about, you will leave the audience confused at the end and spoil the overall impression of your successful speech.
State your goal
When you are told you have 30 minutes to speak, speak for 20 minutes. There are several reasons for this. Usually, speaking events are long, and the schedule is often broken, so it is better to prepare for a shorter speech with all the key points. Besides, no matter how many times you try and practice a specific text, it takes longer live. Finally, make your speech structured so that the audience wants more. Give them something to think about and spark their imagination.
You will find that the audience reacts best if you tell them at the beginning what you plan to talk about and then explain it thoroughly. So don't just jump into the story. Put yourself in the position of your audience. They don't know what you know. Introduce them to the subject, and show them the best way to explain what you are talking about.
Learn More
You must explain your thought in the simplest way possible. Remember that many people will be listening to you, and your goal is for your message to be widely received. As a result, you must be patient with everyone. To keep things short, we'll quote Nietzsche, who said, "Think complicated and speak simply, not the other way around." You can also hire someone to help you write or learn more. Therefore, check the Edusson.com site and refer to an expert who'll broaden your knowledge and speaking skills.
Although it is critical to convey your main idea to the audience, you must avoid repetitions. The same is true for constantly repeating the exact phrases and clichés you hope to persuade your audience to accept. Never underestimate people because mistakes like this cause them to see through your empty rhetoric, become bored, and switch off.
Analyze your audience
It is crucial to engage the audience members in your presentation so that they are not just silent observers and listeners of what you have to say. You will do this by, for example, asking the same question at the beginning and the end of the speech. The point is that they will be richer in new knowledge.
Pay attention to the target group whose attention you need to gain. Think about it first and adjust the way and the vocabulary you use. If they are younger, try to use as many modern examples as possible, while in the case of older ones, turn to the good old classics.
Try to enrich your presentation with small jokes, compelling examples, a personal story and a modern view of the topic and thus keep the attention of your audience. Along the way, you will develop a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that will relax you and get rid of your jitters and nervousness because the audience is judging you.
Get to know the place where you are going to present well to prepare for the environment mentally, but even more, ask yourself what profile of the audience is coming to listen to your speech and adapt to them, which means inserting some of their jargon into your speech, culture and traditions (especially if you go outside your place).
People love it when you mention their hometown or a favorite hobby, problems at work that they also have.
Tips for delivering your persuasive speech
If you want to make the most memorable impression, consider the visual moment, which includes your way of dressing, the appearance of the presentation and the atmosphere itself. Regardless of the occasion, every presentation should be delivered by someone who radiates self-confidence and security, uses common sense and logic, is not confused but clear in his ideas, and presents them clearly to the listeners.
Practice
Perform your speech several times from beginning to end without interruption. This will crystallize your presentation in the right way. Record the rehearsal. Look at the recording and recognize which parts are still not well-rehearsed, whether there is a post-battle that sounds too aggressive, whether the key message is clearly conveyed, and so on.
Confident body language
Body language can have a positive or negative effect on your public speaking. Try not to wave your hands unnecessarily, but also not to be too static.
Facial expressions when storytelling
While speaking, let your eyes follow the sentences. Make eye contact with a different person for each thought, sentence or paragraph. In this way, you will establish the best contact with the audience.
To conclude
Some of the lessons we learned from the great speakers who mesmerized the masses with their words throughout history. It will be helpful to read if you have the opportunity to speak in front of a group of people and use this knowledge to make your speech an enjoyable and inspiring experience for the audience.