Structure your speech

It is important to follow a defined structure when preparing a speech to avoid having to improvise and increase the likelihood of achieving the desired result. Good organization is essential to achieve the objective of the speech and to deal with unexpected situations successfully.

Proper planning of the speech is crucial to guide the speaker in the elaboration and execution of the speech. This allows the speaker to identify important points to focus on or to change the subject.

What is your starting point?

What topic would you like to talk about? Before starting your speech, it is advisable to define the context so that others can understand the guidelines you will develop.

The context is the basis on which the topic and main ideas are developed. For example, if our speech is about the care and protection of our children, we could begin by saying: 'As parents, it is common to experience moments of uncertainty in which we do not know how to act with our children'.

In this way, we set the context and generate expectations in the audience about the topic to be addressed: the education of children.

What is the problematic situation?

In this context, it is important to consider the objective to be pursued when dealing with the topic of children's education. What is the need to be satisfied by analyzing this topic? Reflecting on these questions, we may realize that our desire is to instill values such as obedience, respect and discipline.

Once we have identified our goal, the next step is to become aware of the actions we can take to achieve it. This can often be a frustrating task. In this example, we focus on values education, but you are free to choose any other goal you wish to achieve.

What is the focus?

When preparing a speech, it is important to consider the objective and the actions needed to achieve it as well:

• Achieve fruitful communication.

• To ensure a greater connection with the audience.

• Adapt the object of attention, i.e., the topic to be discussed, to the needs of each of the people who are listening to you.

• Plan the circumstances and resources available to achieve the desired objective.

Do I know my audience?

When planning the use of available resources and creating the necessary conditions, it is important to take into account the need to generate interest and motivation in your audience. To achieve this, it is advisable to gather information about them. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

• Search for references on the Internet about their age, culture, gender, occupation and needs.

• Conducting interviews or surveys is a direct way to get to know your audience.

• Analyze comments and publications on social networks related to the topic you will address.

Results: What were the results of the research process? Once we have this information, we will be able to decide what measures to take to orient our discourse according to what our audience knows, wants and needs. It is also important to consider other criteria and points of view in order to have a more complete view of the subject.

Keep in mind that your opinion is limited by your own experience and observations. To broaden your understanding and have more leeway when communicating with people, it is essential to keep researching, even if you already have a certain level of knowledge.

Reflecting: Afterwards reflect:

• What insights have you gained during your research?

• Can you measure progress or evolution in yourself?

• Before recommending something to your audience, you need to have reflected on the characteristics and importance of your speech.

• This way, your message will not sound false or hypocritical and will be well received by everyone.

• If you share a discovery or knowledge that you have obtained during the analysis of the topic, it will be more credible and motivating, since you yourself will be motivated.