¿Cómo puedes escribir un discurso que sea apropiado para tu audiencia?

One thing I always find useful to get the attention of the audience is to ensure I resonate with them. I try to gather as much information about them so I can relate my experiences that match to them. Also owning up to vulnerabilities gains empathy and understanding from the audience. We need to share appropriate jokes that are understood by the audience. we need to be understanding of their sensitivities. Basically the more you know about who your audience is more relatable you can be

I do quite a lot of research on my audience and where time permits, I immerse myself in their everyday scenarios to shape how I communicate with them. I watch old podcasts, videos etc and look at Q&As from past sessions to understand what's top of mind. Then I reach within and write.

Knowing your audience should start before you even say yes to a speaking engagement. Good speakers have a point of view and good stories to tell so your speech is going to be about you even if it is just a little bit. You need to make sure that you are speaking to an audience that suits your style, your goals and your message. Being comfortable in your skin is the first step.

In my experience it has been most helpful to find out all you can about your audience. Age, job title, interests, etc. All of these would serve as your points of reference and should really help in developing a message that would be well received. A message that you would prepare for a group of twenty somethings, fresh out of college would not be the same as a message you would prepare for seasoned workers ranging in age from their 30s to 60s.

It will be a disaster to prepare a professorial speech for kindergartens or to go for an event under-prepared. The embarrassment is huge plus you might even lose future opportunities to get on that stage again. We usually don't have a second chance to make a first impression. So before going for any speaking engagement, I research into the people who will be listening to me. Age group, gender, socio-economic status, intellectual depth, etc.

Purpose is everything. In my experience, the best way to quell nerves and to gain rapport from an audience is to have a clear, strong connection with your purpose. This is your "why" you are giving the speech. The "why" has to be a deep down need to share, to shift the audience's perspective about a topic, and to transform their lives! If the purpose isn't strong, then the audience will immediately feel your anxiety, lack of connection to your subject, and they will question your why for you. Allow the purpose to speak for you, through you. Then your passion for inspiring and empowering your audience will shine through! That way you won't have to rely on charisma, tricks, or short cuts to see you through. Because you will have purpose!

Purpose should drive everything you are working on delivering. Don't go into a speaking engagement with scattered notes. Even if you won't be writing points down, mull over the thoughts repeatedly until you can see a clear plan for your speech. But, writing down the main points might be a great way to stay focused on the topic at hand and not stray into unnecessary discussions. No one wants to come learn about leadership and leave with a load ful of information on how not to fall asleep watching TV😄

If you can't articulate really simply and clearly the goal of your presentation to yourself then you're not going to be able to get it across to somebody else so it's really important to engage with this step before you do anything else.

Start with the end in mind. Meaning, what exactly do you want your audience to walk away feeling or doing? You have to know exactly what your goal is and then work backwards. That is, once you know what you want your audience to feel or do, then you must put yourself in their shoes. What must they hear in order to animate their emotions or actions.

Begin your presentation with a compelling opening to grab your audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, a surprising fact, a story, or a rhetorical question that relates to your topic.

Stick on notes and cards help with notes. Something I have also learnt is use varying colours and font sizes when writing. Highlight the most important words that can trigger your memory because once you stand on that stage, all the letters blend into one and it makes it more difficult for your brain to process it all. Highlighted words, red coloured words, bold words, big fonts all help you stay on track with your thoughts.

I'm a fan of the Winston Churchill method. Not once did Churchill speak off-the cuff. Every speech he ever gave was written down (long-hand) and then meticulously practiced. Every intonation. Every pause. Every motion. So, at the very least, I instruct every speech writer to write their speeches out and then practice, practice, practice, making edits along the way based on how it feels, how it sounds and how it flows.

In the bid to use appropriate language, we must also be careful to not use words to over impress our audience. I remember going to speak at a school, all Queen's English and all, but the students there could not relate. Immediately, I toned down my speech and made it relatable for them.

Present ideas in concrete terms. Our brains are wired to process and remember concrete information more easily than abstract information. When we hear or see something that is specific, tangible, and connected to real-world experiences, our brains can more easily make sense of it and store it in our memory.

Do not assume that the audience you are writing a speech for knows your subject. If it is outside their area of expertise, then set your points out in layman's terms. You can do this elegantly. Your audience will thank your speaker for taking the care and time to get on to their level.

There is a communications best practice that says meet your audience where they are. That means that you need to understand your audience to the depth of understanding not only what they want to hear and which medium they go to but also how the want to hear it. If you are speaking to a group of young professionals in the creative field, you'll want to be innovative, accessible and dynamic. Maybe use video. Named partners in a law firm? Short and concise - they are short on time and it is valuable.

I totally agree. How you speak when talking at a symposium is different from when talking at a religious function. Don't act like a fish out of water. Be malleable and be quick to adapt to your environment. This then shows the need to be widely read and versed with different audiences.

Remember the purpose of your speech. Is it meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire? Tailor your style and tone to align with this purpose. For example, if your message calls for inspiration, convey it with passion and enthusiasm.

How I Stayed Positive after Receiving Rejection after Rejection In 1975 when I started writing, I completed my first manuscript which was a book of poetry, Black Jewels & White Pearls. Since I didn't have a clue how a manuscript was supposed to be presented professionally; I did know that I would have to take some literary courses and do a lot of research for a publisher to even consider reading my manuscript. I frequent the library non-stop. And no doubt, I received rejection after rejection still. I also knew if I wanted to see my book in print, I would have to stay positive and make some editing adjustments. I continued the hard work, I remained focused, and not before long I had three books in print.

Simplicity is the key to formatting. This applies to both the speech itself and visual aids. Most often speakers give too much credence to their visual aids. They lean on them too much, believing that the visual aid will quell their anxiety. The truth is that visual aids are only there to enhance what is already being presented. To make certain your speech is a winner, write it first before adding the visual aids. In fact, skip the visual aids altogether in the first 3 revisions. [Add in brackets a need for a visual aid] then continuing writing the key points. As a speaker, it is your presence and words that convey the message you wish your audience to receive. Let the visual aids enhance you!

Consider carefully the neurological make up of your organisation. Over the last 3 years I have been adapting how organisations approach internal communication from the standpoint of neurodivergent employees who will all be very different but who will also benefit from communication that is unambiguous, uses multiple channels and formats, and is focused on actions as well as theory.

Additionally for the Comms person tasked to prepare a speech for the CEO, MD or any other leader, research the speaker as well. Get to know how they communicate, what their key message would be from a strategic perspective and what format works for them e.g talking notes, bullet points, presentations etc. Perhaps you can have a quick chat with them and get their top priorities for the audience. You can also check their social media handles, see their interests, what they like to read/write/talk about. You want to prepare a speech that will not only reflect who they are but also carry their message to the audience.