Power Speaking Dynamics

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Power Speaking Dynamics

How to write a powerful speech Part 2.

  HOW TO WRITE A POWERFUL SPEECH (PART TWO) 

In the last article we looked at the all-important task of PLANNING. In this article we shall focus on strong starts and finishes which are critical elements in the Planning stage.
HOW TO START STRONG
The idea is to capture the attention of the audience from the beginning. This can be done through any of the following:
• A startling Fact or Statistic e.g.

“This iPod has enough of memory for you to listen to music all the way to the moon and back”

• A story to illustrate human values, behavior, life-changing events – any topic which ties in with the theme or core message.

• Ask a question. It gets them thinking and engaged as you pause and then continue e.g.

“Do you see how the current crisis is going to change the way we live our lives from now on?”

• Use a famous quotation. These often express our thinking more powerfully. They also lend support to what we say.

HOW TO FINISH STRONG

• Use any of the techniques listed above. Ensure you summarize the points covered in the main body of your speech. End with a story (work it in to your time allocated}, a “Take-away”, a question/challenge:

“Planet Earth or plastic Earth? It’s your choice.”

Once the Opening and Closing have been settled, we can move to the next stage, which will involve Writing, Editing and Re-writing. This will be covered in Part Three.

A closing thought:

“The best way to make a good speech is to have a good beginning and a good ending – and have them close together.” Unknown.