What are the steps to create a public speaking action plan?

1 Define your purpose

The first step to create a public speaking action plan is to define your purpose. Why are you speaking? What do you want to achieve? Your purpose should be clear, specific, and realistic. For example, your purpose could be to educate your audience about a new product, to motivate them to take action, or to entertain them with a story. Your purpose will guide your content, tone, and delivery.

2 Analyze your audience

The second step to create a public speaking action plan is to analyze your audience. Who are they? What do they know, need, and expect from you? How will they react to your message? Your audience analysis will help you tailor your message to their interests, needs, and preferences. For example, you can use language, examples, and humor that resonate with them, address their questions and concerns, and appeal to their emotions and values.

3 Research your topic

The third step to create a public speaking action plan is to research your topic. What are the main points, facts, and arguments that support your purpose? How can you make your topic relevant, interesting, and credible? Your research will help you gather and organize the information that you need to deliver your message. For example, you can use statistics, quotes, stories, and visuals to illustrate your points, back up your claims, and engage your audience.

4 Outline your speech

The fourth step to create a public speaking action plan is to outline your speech. How will you structure your message into a clear and logical sequence? How will you introduce, develop, and conclude your speech? Your outline will help you create a framework for your speech that follows a simple and effective pattern: tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and tell them what you told them. For example, you can use a catchy hook, a clear thesis statement, and a preview of your main points in your introduction, a topic sentence, supporting details, and a transition in each body paragraph, and a summary, a call to action, and a memorable closing remark in your conclusion.

5 Practice your delivery

The fifth step to create a public speaking action plan is to practice your delivery. How will you use your voice, body language, and visual aids to enhance your message? How will you overcome your nervousness and connect with your audience? Your delivery will help you communicate your message with confidence, clarity, and charisma. For example, you can use vocal variety, eye contact, gestures, and pauses to express your emotions, emphasize your points, and create rapport with your audience.

6 Evaluate your performance

The sixth and final step to create a public speaking action plan is to evaluate your performance. How did you do? What did you do well, and what can you improve? Your evaluation will help you learn from your experience, celebrate your achievements, and set new goals for your future speeches. For example, you can ask for feedback from your audience, your peers, or your instructor, record and review your speech, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

7 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?