A Road Map to Developing Your Speech
One of the areas where many emerging speakers struggle is how to start creating content for a speech, or presentation. There are many steps in the process of developing content for an audience, then verbally delivering it. Let’s start by breaking down the content development process into smaller, manageable pieces so that the process is easier and not so overwhelming.
Developing a presentation is much like going on a journey – you need to decide on where you are going, so you have a road map to get to your destination. The type of presentation you will be delivering often determines your purpose and objective. What type of presentation will you be delivering – keynote, sales pitch, commencement address, break-out session, workshop, toast, eulogy, etc…?
Once you know what type of presentation you will be delivering, the next step is to decide your purpose for the presentation. Is your purpose to inform or teach your audience something new? Do you want to persuade your audience to take some sort of action? Or, do you want your audience to make a shift in how they think or what they believe? It’s fine to want to inform, persuade, and inspire your audience all at the same time. However, I suggest that you prioritize your purpose for your presentation. Clarifying your purpose lays a strong foundation for creating your content.
Once you have clarity around your purpose, objective, and the type of presentation you will be delivering, then you can proceed to the next step of crafting a core message or big idea. Your speech content will revolve around and extend from your core message. If you could summarize your big idea in one sentence, what would you say? Your core message comes from your convictions and beliefs. Strive to write your core message or big idea in about 15 words. This provides clarity from which to build the rest of your presentation.
Was this helpful? I’d love to hear your feedback and comments.
I don’t usually give speeches but I have been invited to speak to a group of business women about my recent kidney donation. Two people got a kidney because I was willing to give mine. One recipient will be speaking with me. Already this article has been a help! It’s a little overwhelming to do a speech but it’s a beautiful story that I want people to know about in hopes more lives are saved. I’ll be searching your site for more gems. Thanks Sonja!
Marcia,
I am so glad you found the article helpful. I am in awe of your generosity to donate your kidney! You have a wonderful opportunity to spread your story of saving lives. Yes, let me know how I can help you tell this story that can have such a positive impact on others’ lives!