Executives, Here are 5 Steps to Write a Meaningful Speech in 1 Hour

Imagine this scene:

You’re called into your boss’s office. She says, “I have a huge problem, and I need your help. Bill is sick. He can’t give his presentation to the Board tomorrow. I want you to step in and give a 30-minute talk.

“I know this is a lot to ask, but I also know I can count on you. I trust you to get the job done!”

What are your immediate feelings?

When asked this question, most people answer with words like “anxiety” or “stress” or “terror!”

This is not?unusual. Being asked to speak at the last minute can be intimidating and scary.

A Proven Speech Writing Process Comes to the Rescue

But, you don’t have to be this way.

What you need is a proven repeatable process. One that can minimize your stress level and maximize your speech impact.

If you’re ever in the situation, remember to:

1. Step back
2. Take a breath
3. Consider these facts:

– You were specifically asked to do this because?you are trustworthy and dependable.

– You have?expertise in your subject. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been asked to speak.

–?You have the ability, even if you can’t see it.

Once you’ve calmed your mind, it’s time to get to work.

How do you craft an impactful speech in one hour?

Stick to the basics…

Step #1. Begin With a FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPT

This is a?one-sentence premise. It summarizes your entire presentation. For example, I may present to a sales team about storytelling. My theme could be ‘Double Your Sales With Impactful Stories.’

All supporting material in this speech must support that main point. Otherwise, leave it out.

Step #2. Don’t Overload your Audience

Use the?10:1 Rule of Thumb. This determines how much support material to include. The rule states that for?every 10 minutes of speaking time, use?one supporting point. If, for example, I’m given 30 minutes to speak, I will use — at most — three supporting points.

Note: With this formula, remember to account for your opening and conclusion. Three is your maximum number of support points for a 30-minute talk. I typically use only two.

For my “Double your sales with stories” presentation, my support points could be:

1. Research to Prove People are More Likely to Buy After Hearing a Story.
2. How to use the 5 Story Essential to Quickly Earn Trust
3. How to Craft a Compelling Call to Action at the Conclusion of Your Story

Step #3. Determine How to BEST OPEN Your Presentation.

Four excellent options are:

– A?startling statement. For instance, “Presentations without stories are costing you at least 35% more sales”

– A?statistic. For example, “You may benefit from a recent study from the London School of Business. They discovered that people are?14 times?more likely to remember your presentation when you tell stories.”

– A?question. For example, “How much better would your life be if you doubled sales in the next 12 months?”

– A?story.

Opening with a story is my favorite method. Properly structured, it immediately engages the audience. In my case as a storytelling trainer, it also proves my point about the power of stories.

Step #4. CONCLUDE With a Compelling Call to Action

The conclusion is where you summarize what your listeners have heard. At this point, they should have a new perspective on your subject.

An excellent method of concluding is to review your supporting points. Use one sentence for each.

Next, circle back to your opening — whether you used a statement, statistic, question, or story. This is where your listener will see the opening in a new light.

Two important points to remember when concluding your speech. One,?do not introduce new material?at this point. This is certain to confuse your audience.

Two,?don’t end with Questions and Answers?(Q&A). If you’re going to allow Q&A, create a few minutes before your concluding statements.

The key to a strong conclusion is, “last words will be remembered — IF they’re memorable.” They should remind the audience of your main point.

5. Don’t Sweat Your Delivery

In one hour, you won’t have the amount of time you’d normally need to internalize your material and develop a dynamic delivery.

Your best option with a speech created on short notice is to write it out with the key aspects mentioned in this post. Practice as many times as possible, focusing on the flow of the talk.

Don’t attempt to memorize the talk.?Memorization on short notice creates unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Also, carry an outline of your notes to the front of the room (or camera). Audiences won’t begrudge you occasionally glancing at notes when they realize you’re doing it with their best interest at heart.

No Need to Sweat

If you’re asked to give a speech at the last minute, don’t sweat. Don’t panic. Don’t give up. You can do this.

Remember, you’ve been asked for a reason. Use the format above. You’ll create a meaningful and memorable message. And, it will leave a positive impact on the audience.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Want to Be a More Impactful Virtual Presenter?

Stories are as important online as they are in person. However, many people are struggling with giving effective online presentations and maximizing the power of their stories.

If you’d like to improve your online presence and presentation skills. pick up 34 secrets to help you confidently speak to a camera and engage your audience every time you speak.

To download your complimentary copy of the report, ’Stop ZOOM Burnout Now!’ click here:?https://bit.ly/BurnoutReport