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Succeeding with formal
speeches
Crafting your content
Delivering a formal speech at an official
or ceremonial occasion requires a
particular method of preparation.
Formal speeches may be read verbatim
from a script, delivered from detailed
cards, or delivered extemporaneously
based on careful preparation. However,
they lack important features of other
presentations: visual aids are rarely
used, and the speaker is physically
separated from the audience, limiting
the degree of interaction.
As with other presentations, consider
who will be in the audience and what they
need, as well as the messages you want
the audience to receive.
Speaking naturally
Match your delivery to the nature of the
occasion; evening receptions, for
example, are not the time for complex
content—the audience is more inclined to
be entertained. Without visual aids,
handouts, or interactivity, your words
must carry the full weight of your
message. Keep your sentences short and
confine yourself to one point per sentence.
Emulate the natural rhythms of speech
in your script, keeping your sentences
flowing naturally. Although the occasion
may be formal, don’t use “sophisticated”
vocabulary solely to try to impress
your audience. Instead, use everyday
language in a concise and accurate way.
Formal speeches such as keynote addresses, appearances at award
ceremonies, and addresses to trade conferences and plenary sessions
follow structured formats and are often delivered in large group
settings. Look on them less as a chance to inform—more to entertain
your audience while enhancing your own reputation.
KEEP DOWN
THE DETAIL
There is a limit to the level
of detail people can absorb
while listening as opposed
to reading. Test your speech
on someone who hasn’t
heard it and check that
they understand.
Tip
59%
of presentations in one survey
were appreciated for their
clarity, followed by pace
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SUCCEEDING WITH FORMAL SPEECHES / 351
Adapting your delivery style
Even though you will probably be reading
your speech, look for different ways in
which you can show personality and
commitment to your message. Use hand
gestures as you would naturally when
you speak, to emphasize your points. A
simple device such as this will help to
keep things interesting for your audience.
Don’t feel you have to read each word
or phrase exactly as written. You should
feel free to depart from your speech as
required; this will give your delivery a
much more spontaneous feel. Aim for
a style of delivery that does not call
attention to itself, but that conveys your
ideas clearly and precisely without
distracting the audience.
Break up your
sentences more
than usual so you
can deliver them
more easily.
Write delivery
reminders to
yourself on your
script—for
example, highlight
words you want
to emphasize or
write in “pause”
to remind yourself
of pacing.
Err on the side
of brevity.
Practice your
speech until
it becomes
second nature
to you.
Tips for speaking with confidence
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352 / TAKING CENTER STAGE
Practice
reading ahead
so you can
speak with
your eyes on
the audience
for as long as
possible.
If someone else
has drafted your
speech, rewrite
or adapt it so that
it reflects your
own “voice.” Add
a few personal
references to
make it seem
less formal.
Visualize yourself
as a professional
TV host—try to
inhabit the role.
Ask for and learn
from feedback.
38%
ACT NATURAL
To make your delivery more
human and natural, imagine
a member of the audience
(or a friend) on the other
side of the teleprompter.
of the degree we like people
is due to their tone of voice
Tip
Tips for speaking with confidence
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SUCCEEDING WITH FORMAL SPEECHES / 353
Using teleprompters
Text-display devices such as hidden
screens and teleprompters can avoid
the need for a podium. They allow you
to appear more fully engaged with your
audience by looking in their general
direction as you read and delivering
your text more naturally.
However, it takes practice to use
these devices well. You need to be
sufficiently at ease with them, so they
aren’t a distraction, either to you or
your audience.
Follow these simple steps in order to ensure a smooth,
professional performance:
Teleprompters do vary. Rehearse with the actual
device you will be using.
As with every visual aid, make sure you are in control.
Be sure to set your own pace of delivery.
If your script is hard to read in this format, rewrite it.
Adjustments now will pay off later.
Build in and script pauses to sound natural.
Read ahead in phrases to look more natural.
Deliberately increase your blink rate in order
to prevent “teleprompter stare.”
Teleprompters allow you to
appear more fully engaged
with your audience by looking
in their general direction
and delivering your text
more naturally
How to use teleprompters
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354 / TAKING CENTER STAGE
Placing papers high up on the
podium to reduce “head bobbing”
as you read
Sliding rather than turning pages
to reduce noise and distraction
Allowing the audience to respond;
pausing to acknowledge applause
or laughter if interrupted
Varying voice, tone, and pacing
throughout the speech
Testing and adjusting podium
height before beginning
Standing squarely balanced on
both feet at all times
Maintaining a “death grip”
on the sides of the podium
Leaning on the podium
Tapping fingers on the podium
or near the microphone
Allowing your voice to trail off
at the ends of sentences
Turning your head away from
a stationary microphone
Fiddling with pens, paper clips,
or anything else on the podium
USING A PODIUM
Do’s Don’ts
Speaking from podiums
Speaker podiums give the presenter a
place to stand, room to place a hard
copy of the speech, and, sometimes,
a stationary microphone. However,
podiums can also pose problems. While
they do provide some comfort, they may
also create a physical barrier between
speaker and audience that is a challenge
to overcome. Even transparent podiums,
designed to mitigate this problem, still
force the speaker into a small, tightly
constrained space, making it difficult for
the audience to gauge their commitment
and belief in what is being said.
Working the room
To counteract the constraints of a
podium, exaggerate your gestures so you
can be seen clearly. Use a handheld or
lapel microphone to avoid obstructing
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