What techniques can you use to evaluate the structure of a speech?

Start at the end. The end of a speech is the beginning of a speech strategy. The end is where you pass the baton to the audience and let them take your shared ideas (yes, I do mean shared - a speech is a dialogue with the audience and their thoughts) and put them into action. Once you've done a jot outline for the end, work backwards at two critical points: the opening of the speech to create a relationship with the audience (I abhor the word "hook" as though a speaker is sinking its talons into the audience) and the world you want to create for them based on your speech points. These are your structural bones. From there, remember that the story arc goes up to that vision and come back down to reality in a bell curve again and again.

GRAB THEIR ATTENTION, KEEP THEIR INTEREST. This is what i follow, before all the public speakings that i do, be it in a classroom, a training session or a business meeting. I evaluate the structure of a speech by assessing its ability to hook the audience at the beginning. Then look for attention-grabbing openings, such as anecdotes, questions, or startling facts. Analyze how the speech will progress, check for its flow and ensure the conclusion reinforces key points. This evaluation helps determine if the speech effectively engages and persuades the audience.

Firstly, assess the clarity and relevance of the hook in capturing the audience's attention and setting the tone for the speech. For example, a compelling anecdote, shocking statistic, or thought-provoking question can serve as effective hooks. Next, examine the coherence and flow of ideas throughout the speech, ensuring that each section logically progresses from the opening to the conclusion. Check the organization and support of main points with evidence. Balance the introduction, body, and conclusion adequately. Lastly, observe audience engagement, as their reactions gauge the effectiveness of the speech in maintaining interest and delivering the intended message.

To craft an engaging opening for your speech, focus on these three strategies: Start with a Provocative Question: Initiate with a question that piques curiosity and draws listeners into your narrative, making them ponder or emotionally react. For example, "Have you ever wondered how a single moment can change your life?". Use a Personal Story: Begin with a short, relevant anecdote to make your message relatable and memorable. This helps establish a connection with the audience. Establish Tone and Expectations: The opening should hint at the speech's content and style, setting the tone for what follows. It prepares the audience for the depth and nature of the discussion, aligning their expectations with your narrative goals.

Every memorable speech starts with an attention-grabbing opening. When evaluating a speech, consider how effectively the introduction captures interest. A strong hook can use a provocative question, striking fact, or compelling story, setting the tone and preparing the audience. If the opening compels listening, it's doing its job. Conversely, a weak opening may fail to engage the audience, making it harder for the speaker to convey their message.

Tell them what your talk is about, why it's important, and how it's relevant to them. I often also give the audience my main points before I dive into the material. This way my thoughts are organized and the audience knows my flow.

Start by ensuring the thesis statement is concise and effectively outlines the main argument or purpose. Next, assess how well the introduction presents this thesis and sets up the speech's direction. Then, examine the body of the speech to see if each point clearly supports the thesis with relevant evidence and logical progression. For example, in a speech about the benefits of remote work, the thesis might state that remote work increases productivity, work-life balance, and cost savings. Evaluate if each section of the speech elaborates on these points with data and examples. Lastly, check that the conclusion reinforces the thesis and summarizes the key points, providing a coherent and persuasive end to the speech.

To evaluate a speech's structure for logical flow, ensure that each point seamlessly connects to the next, creating a coherent narrative. Begin by outlining the main points and checking if they follow a logical sequence. For example, in a speech about climate change, the progression might be from defining the problem to explaining causes, discussing impacts, and finally proposing solutions. Assess the use of transitional phrases and how well they guide the audience through the argument. Each section should build on the previous one, reinforcing the overall message. Lastly, evaluate if the conclusion effectively ties together all points, reinforcing the speech's central thesis and leaving a lasting impression.

One of the most powerful elements in this regard is to make the most of your voice. While words speak to the 'conscious' (the rational part of our brain), the voice speaks to the 'unconscious' (the emotional part of the brain). To do this, it is necessary to learn to recognize the fundamental elements of the voice: volume, tone, timing, rhythm, and smile. Techniques such as 'Emotional Voice Intelligence' or 'Four Voice Colors' can be incredibly powerful. If you want to know more, I can help you.

structuring a memorable and effective speech, similar to structuring a memorable and effective joke. The art of recall is very important. You can typically start with a story at the beginning of your speech, but then throughout your talk back to that story. Reference it again, move the story along, etc. You don’t have to tell the full story from beginning to Ian all at once, and when you sprinkle it throughout your talk, it keeps your audience anticipating what comes next. I will always end with a recall to the initial story. For example, in my TED talk, I started it by talking about my grandmother at the end of the talk, I referenced her again as a throwback. That set up a structure where people are engaged from beginning to end.