Introduction
Giving a speech is taking control of a stage, capturing the attention of dozens, even hundreds of people, and taking them on an adventure made of words, emotions, and ideas. A good speech is not just about well-chosen words. It’s about soul. About sincerity. It’s the emotion that resonates with the audience, not just the logical argument. A speech can make people laugh, cry, think. It can soothe or galvanize. It is in this ability to play on the palette of human emotions that the strength of a successful oral presentation lies.
Summary:
- The preparation
- Building a solid narrative structure
- Oral expression techniques
- Managing stress before taking the mic
- Use aids without becoming dependent on them
- Types of speeches and their specifics
- TEDx and their techniques
- FAQ
The preparation
Defining the communication objective
Before even thinking about what you are going to say, ask yourself this simple question: why this speech? What is your objective? Do you want to inform, inspire, convince, celebrate, or thank? The clarity of your objective will guide the entire construction of your message.
For example, if you are speaking at a professional event, your goal may be to motivate your teams or present a new strategic vision. Conversely, a wedding speech will aim to celebrate love and pay tribute. Each context involves a different tone, style, and structure.
Knowing your audience
Speaking is good. Being listened to is better. To achieve this, you need to know your audience. Who are you addressing? Young people? Professionals? Experts? A heterogeneous audience? What resonates in a TEDx conference may not necessarily work at a family dinner, and vice versa.
Ask yourself the right questions: what do they expect from you? What do they already know about the topic? What are their current emotions or concerns? The more in tune you are with your audience, the more impactful your speech will be.
The importance of the key message to convey
A good speech is a message. One single message. If your audience could remember one thing from your presentation, what would it be? This key message must be clear, strong, and subtly repeated throughout your speech. For example, in a motivational speech: "Together, we can overcome all challenges." In a wedding toast: "True love is the one that withstands time and trials."
Building a solid narrative structure
The introduction
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. The first few seconds are crucial. This is when you capture—or lose—the attention of your audience.
A striking introduction starts with a strong element: a personal anecdote, a shocking statistic, a powerful question, an unexpected quote. Something that provokes an immediate reaction. For example: "Two years ago, I stood exactly where you are, unable to speak a sentence without trembling..." or "Have you ever felt like you were speaking... without being heard?" This forces the audience to think and creates an immediate connection.
The development
Once attention is captured, it must be maintained. This is where the heart of the speech comes into play. This is where you unfold your ideas, your arguments, your examples. But be careful: no boring lists or technical jargon. The goal is to tell a story.
The situation-complication-resolution method is the narrative structure used in all good stories: an initial situation/context (“Our company was experiencing steady growth.”), a complication (“Then, the health crisis disrupted everything.”), a resolution (“We rethought our model thanks to three key decisions…”).
The conclusion
This is the last thing the audience will hear… and often, it’s what they will remember the most. Therefore, you should craft your exit as carefully as your entrance. Depending on the type of speech, you can conclude in several ways. With a striking sentence, a message of hope, an inspiring quote, or a clear call to action.
For example: “So, remember: no matter the obstacles, what matters is to keep moving forward.” Or: “Now it’s your turn to take the first step.” And above all, don’t forget to thank your audience. A simple “Thank you for listening to me,” said sincerely, can make all the difference.
Oral expression techniques
The appropriate gestures
Non-verbal communication often counts just as much, if not more, than the spoken words. It is not about gesticulating in all directions, but about accompanying your words with open, expressive gestures that are in harmony with your message. For example, raising your hand to illustrate a rise in intensity, or joining your hands to express sincere emotion. An upright posture, relaxed shoulders, and an open chest send a signal of confidence and availability.
Stage presence comes with an awareness of space. Do not remain frozen behind a podium. Move forward, walk slowly, establish eye contact; this shows that you are comfortable and engaged.
The eye contact
The gaze is a powerful tool. It creates an immediate connection, reinforces the sincerity of your message, and allows you to read the reactions of your audience. Looking people in the eye shows that you are present and committed.
A simple trick: mentally divide the room into three zones—left, center, right—and address each in turn. This gives each person the impression that you are speaking directly to them.
Mastering intonation
A monotonous speech is a forgotten speech. Play with your voice: vary your intonations, pauses, and volume. Emphasize certain words to highlight their importance. The pace should be neither too fast (a sign of stress) nor too slow (boring). Speak as you would in a lively conversation: engaging but understandable. And above all, articulate; good articulation ensures that your message is well received, even by the most distant or distracted.
Managing stress before taking the mic
Mental reparation and visualization
Even the greatest speakers feel nervous. It's human. The key is to learn to transform it into positive energy. Before your speech, take a few minutes to center yourself. Visualize yourself successfully delivering your speech: you are confident, you capture attention, people are smiling and applauding.
This type of visualization strengthens self-confidence and positively conditions the brain. Combine this practice with simple positive affirmations: "I am ready," "My message has value," "I will succeed." It may seem simplistic, but the results are powerful.
Breathing exercises and body anchoring
Stress resides in the body. To release it, nothing is better than a good breathing exercise. Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat 3 times before going on stage.
Another effective technique is body anchoring. Stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground, arms relaxed, and visualize energy flowing from the ground up to your head.
Practice with prior rehearsals
There’s no secret: the more you rehearse, the more you master it. Practice your speech out loud several times in conditions close to the real situation. Record yourself, listen to yourself, and correct any speech tics or hesitations. Practice in front of a mirror, then in front of a friend or a loved one. The goal is not to recite a text by heart, but to integrate it to the point of being able to say it with naturalness and fluidity.
Use aids without becoming dependent on them
Notes as memory aids
Using notes is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it shows that you are organized. But be careful: your notes should be clear, spaced out, with keywords and not a full text. The goal is to take a quick glance if needed, not to read like a teleprompter.
Useful visuals and props
A slideshow should illustrate your point, not replace it. Favor images, simple diagrams, and keywords. Limit the text: your audience is there to listen to you, not to read a PowerPoint novel.
You can also use props: a symbolic object, a printed image, a sound element. Anything that reinforces your message in a coherent and original way can leave an impression. But keep this rule in mind: less is more.
Types of speeches and their specifics
Occasion speeches
These speeches are often the most emotionally charged. They require absolute sincerity, a touch of humor, and a simple structure. Whether it’s a wedding speech, a birthday speech, or a retirement speech, it is primarily about paying tribute.
The tone should be warm, personal, and benevolent. Highlight shared memories, human qualities, funny or touching anecdotes. And above all, speak from the heart. The goal here is no performance, but authenticity. The audience expects a human moment, not a demonstration.
Toasts and acknowledgments
The toast is a short exercise, but not easy. It needs to be brief, impactful, and leave an impression in just a few sentences. The secret? A simple message, a key phrase, and a bit of emotion. All while maintaining a light tone. As for acknowledgments, never neglect them. Mention key people, thank them sincerely without being formal.
Professional interventions and conferences
Here, the requirements are more technical. You need to be structured, clear, and precise. But beware: just because the context is professional doesn't mean you have to be boring. On the contrary! Humanize your speech, add concrete examples, share your journey.
Use visual aids if necessary, but remain in control of your speech. Structure it with a clear thread and insert pauses to breathe and check that the message is coming across well. The important thing is to convey, not to recite.
Bonus – Drawing inspiration from the best speakers
TEDx and their techniques
TEDx talks are a goldmine for those looking to improve their speaking skills. Why do these talks leave such a strong impression? Because they rely on a simple yet formidable recipe: strong storytelling, a clear key message, an effective narrative structure, and touching authenticity.
A good TEDx often starts with a personal anecdote that captures attention. Then, the speaker unfolds a clear logic, supported by examples, facts, and emotions. All within a maximum of 10 to 18 minutes. Their secret? Repetition. TEDx speakers often rehearse their speech more than 20 times to achieve that fluidity that seems so natural. Drawing inspiration from their style does not mean copying, but adapting their techniques to your context: clarity, emotion, structure, impact.
Conclusion
Public speaking is much more than a technical exercise. It is an act of sharing, connecting, and impacting. A good speech is not measured by its complexity, but by its ability to touch, inspire, and awaken. Whether you are speaking to 10 people at a birthday party or to 1000 at a conference, the principles remain the same: prepare, structure, embody, move.
Thanks to the tools you have just discovered, you now have all the keys to build a speech that leaves a lasting impression. It is not a matter of innate talent, but of practice, listening, and authenticity. So the next time you find yourself in front of a microphone, remember: it is not you against the audience, but you with the audience. Inspire, connect, transform.
FAQ
How to start a speech without stressing?
Start with a deep breath, a look at the audience, and an introductory sentence that you have rehearsed. Grounding yourself, positive visualization, and solid preparation significantly reduce stress.
What pitfalls to avoid during an oral presentation?
Avoid reading your notes entirely, speaking too quickly, or using inaccessible technical jargon. Don't turn your back on the audience and avoid endless digressions. Always stay focused on your main message.
What is the ideal duration of a good speech?
It all depends on the context, but generally, 5 to 10 minutes for a toast, 10 to 20 minutes for a public speech, and up to 30 minutes for a lecture. The key is to never bore your audience. A short but impactful speech is better.
What to do if you forget your text live?
Breathe, pause, rephrase. Rely on your notes or a clear mental structure. Use a transition like: "Let me return to an essential point..." The audience doesn't know your text: improvise with confidence.
How to make a speech more lively and engaging?
Use personal anecdotes, vary your intonation, adopt natural gestures, look at your audience and involve them. Ask questions, use humor, insert strategic pauses. In short: be human, sincere, and lively.
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