Matching Personal Style
When writing a speech, it's important to consider the complete context in which you plan to speak. From audience, formality, topic, and venue, each of these factor in how you deliver your speech. Your words, phrases, lines of reasoning, as well as the gestures and mannerisms you might use, will influence your personal speaking style.
Personal Style in Your Speech
Ultimately, your speech is a reflection of who you are. Make sure your character comes through.
Define Your Voice
As you craft your speech, you will naturally begin to adopt a tone and style as you write. Your personal style and tone is what's known as your voice. Your voice is what makes your writing and speeches unique from those of others. Developing your voice, in particular honing what works for you and what you like, is something that develops over time.
That said, there are other factors that shape your voice. Your voice should adapt to your speech as much as your speech is guided by your voice. Here are six factors to which you must consider as you develop your voice in your speech:
Audience
Who will be present at your speech? Who will be listening to what you have to say? As you consider your audience, think of what their needs, goals, and expectations are of your speech. Adapt your tone appropriately to your audience.
Formality
Are you presenting at an academic conference? Or are you giving the first toast speech at your best friend's wedding? Consider the specific occasion, venue, and formality of your speech to make sure you're using the most appropriate phrasing, language, and wording. Formality will also dictate how you need to dress and appear before your audience.
Your Role in Relation to Your Audience
Why are you there? What makes you the subject matter expert? As much as you're analyzing your audience, the audience is doing the same of you. Your audience will have expectations and assumptions about you, so it's helpful to consider them before you ever step foot on stage so that you can adapt and tailor your style accordingly.
Attitude
It's not just what you say, but how you say it. Your attitude will speak volumes to your audience, not only informing them about you as a person, but either bolstering or eroding your credibility as speaker. Also, be aware that non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures, body stance, and posture can subconsciously betray your real attitude to your audience members, so always be mindful of your physical presence when speaking. You don't need to be chipper and cheerful for every speech, but your attitude should reflect the other factors influencing your speech.
Cultural Context
Just as when you were analyzing your audience, consider the cultural context of where and to whom you're speaking. Use your commonalities with the cultural context of your speech venue and audience to build bridges of understanding with your audience. However, don't fall victim to pandering where you merely say things that reflect the overall needs and expectations of your audience without actually believing in them. Be authentic.
Your Own Creativity
At its heart, your voice is a reflection of you as a person. Let your creativity and the authenticity of your own words and experiences be the vehicle of your voice, guided by your gut. Over time, you'll know what sounds good and what works well in your speeches.
Incorporate these best practices into your speeches so that they become second nature. It is also helpful to find volunteer readers for your drafts. Having a second reader or mock audience can help you identify areas that can be improved or emphasized, further honing your skills and personal style as a speech writer.
What's your personal style?
Don't be afraid to let your personal style come through in your speech. Steve Jobs does it well here with his signature black turtleneck.