How to Create a Speech

Last week I helped create and coach a speech. Since my client was out of town, we began with Zoom. I encouraged her to have personal stories. We did use some photos and a video.

Once that was finished, we began with the read through. She would read it and then we'd talk about what worked and what needed to be changed or eliminated.

The next step was to move from reading to talking. If you're telling a story, you don't have to look down. But you do have to know the story so well, that you can tell it. That requires practice. We practiced the speech by sections

That's when I came into town. We practiced in an office, then a board room, then the auditorium. And on the final day, we did a dress rehearsal, with the photos and videos. We did that twice.

How did it go? Great. She got a long standing ovation.

Why was it a success? It was a speech that was listener friendly. A speech that was well practiced and allowed the speaker to "emote" to the audience. The goal was for each audience member to believe that she was having a conversation with him or her.

And, oh yeah. About the photo at the top of this article? That's NOT how to practice. Unfortunately, that's how a lot of us "practice" and it shows. My advice? Practice in game like conditions - standing up, using the key word and key thought notes as a safety net, and having a conversation with your audience.

If you use this process, you may not always hit a home run, but you will never strike out.

Stephen Williford coaches speakers throughout the country.