Preparing for a speech is essential to the success of your presentation. If you do not thoroughly prepare for your speech ahead of time, it will likely become a disaster when you step onto the stage or podium. Before you can construct your speech, you need to know its purpose. Is it to inform, entertain, motivate, or to persuade? When you have figured out the intention of your speech you are ready to develop your presentation. Public speaking preparation plays a key part in your confidence and in the outcome of your speech. 

If you are required to select a topic, you should choose a topic that will interest both you and your audience. The topic should also coincide with the general purpose of your speech. Once you have chosen your topic you need to develop your message or central idea of the speech. For example, if your purpose is to inform people and your topic is global warming, then your message could be to educate others about the negative effects of global warming. 

Your next step is to create an outline of your speech. Creating an outline will enable your presentation to be organized and focused. In the outline, you should highlight the points that support your message and it should have a logical beginning, middle, and end. The introduction needs to include the topic, your message, and a list of your main points that support the topic. The body should include your main points while the end or conclusion should be a review of the main points, a summary of your message, and a request or encouragement for your audience to take action. 

Writing the first draft of your speech is the next step in your public speaking preparation. It is difficult for some people to write their first draft, but there are ways to make it easier. To get you motivated you should set a deadline for your draft. You can also write your draft out of order. If you get hung up on the opening, start writing the body of your speech instead. You should not worry about the wording or the length of your speech, because you will be able to edit this later. 

Editing your speech will allow you give a great performance for your audience. Make sure your speech focuses on your message and try not to stray from it. Each and every point, story, and visual aid should support your message. Your speech should also be logically ordered so you do not confuse the audience. Edit your sentences, words, and phrases so that they appeal to and invoke emotion in your listeners. 

After you have written down your speech on paper, it will be time to prepare your performance. Your voice is the tool you will use to relay information and capture your audience’s attention so it is important that you practice using your voice. Varying your voice adds interest and will help keep your audience’s focus. In addition, use a variety of gestures to complement your words. This will make you more enjoyable to watch and listen to. Practice in front of a mirror or record a video of yourself so you can tell if you need to change your voice or body language. 

Rehearsing will be the last step in your public speaking preparation. It is recommended that you practice in front of an audience with the props and visual aids you will be using. Experiment with different gestures and voices so you will feel more confident when your big speech day is here. Pay attention to your practice audience’s reaction. After your rehearsal, ask the audience for their honest opinions of your speech. Get feedback on their favorite parts of the speech and what could be improved.

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