How can you emphasize key points when speaking extemporaneously?

1 Use signposts

Signposts are words or phrases that indicate the structure and direction of your speech. They help you and your listeners to follow the main ideas and transitions. For example, you can use signposts like "first", "second", "finally", "in contrast", "in addition", "for example", and "in conclusion" to signal the order, contrast, support, and summary of your points. Signposts also help you to avoid rambling or repeating yourself.

2 Use repetition

Repetition is a rhetorical device that reinforces your key points by restating them in different ways or at different times. You can use repetition to create emphasis, clarity, or memorability. For example, you can repeat your main message or thesis statement at the beginning and end of your speech, or use parallelism, alliteration, or antithesis to create catchy phrases or slogans. However, be careful not to overuse repetition or sound boring or redundant.

3 Use pauses

Pauses are moments of silence that create contrast, suspense, or impact in your speech. They help you to emphasize your key points by drawing attention to them, giving your listeners time to process them, or creating a dramatic effect. For example, you can use pauses before or after a key point, a question, a quote, or a statistic to highlight its importance or relevance. You can also use pauses to breathe, think, or check your notes.

4 Use gestures

Gestures are movements of your body, especially your hands and arms, that complement your speech. They help you to emphasize your key points by adding visual interest, expressing emotion, or illustrating concepts. For example, you can use gestures to point, show, compare, contrast, or emphasize your points, or to convey confidence, enthusiasm, or sincerity. However, be careful not to use gestures that are distracting, inappropriate, or inconsistent with your speech.

5 Use vocal variety

Vocal variety is the variation of your voice in terms of pitch, volume, rate, and tone. It helps you to emphasize your key points by adding expression, emotion, or emphasis to your speech. For example, you can use vocal variety to modulate your voice according to your points, to stress certain words or phrases, to change the mood or atmosphere of your speech, or to engage your listeners. However, be careful not to use vocal variety that is unnatural, exaggerated, or monotonous.

Speaking extemporaneously can be a powerful way to communicate your ideas and persuade your audience. By using signposts, repetition, pauses, gestures, and vocal variety, you can emphasize your key points and make your speech more effective and memorable.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?