How can you structure a speech for maximum impact?

1 Know your purpose

Before you start writing your speech, you need to define your purpose. What do you want your audience to know, feel, or do after listening to you? Your purpose will guide your choice of topic, tone, and style. It will also help you focus on the main points and avoid irrelevant or confusing details. Write down your purpose in one sentence and keep it in mind throughout your speech.

3 Apply the rule of three

The rule of three is a powerful technique to make your speech memorable and persuasive. It means that you should use three main points, three examples, or three words to convey your message. The human brain can easily remember and process information in groups of three. For example, you can use the rule of three to structure your speech as follows: tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and tell them what you told them. Or you can use the rule of three to craft a catchy slogan, such as "Just do it", "Yes we can", or "I have a dream".

4 Use stories and emotions

Stories and emotions are essential elements of a powerful speech. They help you connect with your audience, illustrate your points, and evoke a desired response. Stories can be personal, anecdotal, or fictional, as long as they are relevant, credible, and engaging. Emotions can be positive, negative, or mixed, depending on your purpose and audience. For example, you can use stories and emotions to inspire your audience to overcome a challenge, to warn them of a danger, or to motivate them to take action.

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?