Chapter 3
Preparing the Speech: A Process Outline
By Boundless
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The introduction of your speech establishes your speech's purpose, previews your key points and tells your audience why they should listen.
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The body of your speech is the point at which you go into full detail about each of your main points. The body is where you tell your story.
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The conclusion of your speech summarizes your purpose and main points while leaving a lasting impression with your audience.
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Transitions allow your speech to flow smoothly from one section or point to another.
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When choosing your speech topic, brainstorm to generate many ideas, and distill those ideas to find your singular topic.
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Knowing and understanding your audience is one of the most important parts of developing an effective speech.
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In order to fully substantiate any claims you make in your speech, you must fully research those claims and provide supporting evidence.
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All speeches must have a point or a main argument – a thesis.
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Use a variety of ways to support the ideas and claims that you make with your thesis statement to give your speech depth and dynamics.
Arrange your speech – your thesis, additional points, and supporting evidence – in a way that will make sense to your audience.
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A good speech is not written in one sitting; write multiple drafts, then review and edit before settling on a final text.
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Practice makes perfect!
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Details like how you dress, enunciate, and use body language can be just as important as what you say.