Focus on the main message. – The first thing you should do when you are giving a speech is to structure your speech around a certain key message. And then throughout your speech you need to keep reinforcing this message again and again. Have about five or six points to support this message and as you elaborate on each point show its interrelationship to the main message. This will help the audience to easily understand the purpose and meaning behind your speech.
Know your audience. – Always keep in mind to research about the audience. Find out their likes and dislikes if possible and focus on preparing your points accordingly.
Be a tactful Speaker – Some speakers choose to generalize complex topics in a speech because they think it’s easier for the audience to understand. It’s actually better to do the opposite. Listeners tend to connect better with concrete examples and personal stories, so embrace detail in your speech. Areas where your passion and knowledge overlap are generally the richest. If appropriate to the context, don’t be afraid to tell a joke about the topic. A little self-deprecating humor goes down well with the crowd, one can always give it a shot.
Try to keep your speech Short – No matter who your audience is it is always advisable to keep your speech short. A short speech with a powerful message is much better than a long one which will bore out the audience. Remember that some of the most greatest speeches ever made have been less than 20 minutes. eg: “I have a dream” by Martin Luther king was only 17 minutes while the “Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincon was only 15 minutes.
Use your stage wisely. – Whether its a formal speech or a humorous or casual speech you need to use your stage wisely. Move around and engage with different parts of the audience. Make sure the entire audience feels engaged. Establish your presence on stage from the very beginning and make maximum use of the space available to you.