33 Key Factors for a Wonderful Speech
1. Good Starting
To draw attention, set high expectations, and be original, remember: there are no second first impressions.
2. Good Ending
This is the most important moment, what people will remember the most. Try to be original and impactful. It must be clear that you are finishing up.
3. Clear Message
If your message isn’t clear, the audience won’t understand you. Take into consideration the average level of knowledge of the audience.
4. Agreeable Voice
If your voice is beautiful, people pay more attention. In principle, you will be more credible. Good breathing helps. You can train to improve it.
5. Volume
Volume makes the speech clearer and more attractive. It also helps emphasize ideas.
6. Breathing Control
Breathing control is necessary in order to control the situation, maintain clarity, avoid nervousness, and reduce anxiety. It enhances your self-confidence.
7. Intonation Changes
Avoid being flat and monotonous. Intonation changes help emphasize ideas and are a good way to make transitions.
8. Pauses
Pauses create high expectations and provide time to breathe and think. They are also helpful for transitions.
9. Coordination of Voice and Screen
What is shown on the screen must be connected with your words. The number of slides must be proportional to the length of the presentation.
10. Body Language
Gestures communicate more than words. Gestures and words must be harmonic. Body language increases credibility.
11. Smile
A smile brings credibility and comfort. It helps to connect and build a confident relationship.
12. Face Gestures
As well as hands, faces are crucial for proper body language. Eyes are the most expressive part; you can give them protagonism.
13. Movement on the Stage
Movement makes the speech more attractive and dynamic. It makes interaction easier, and you can be showy.
14. Coherent Topic and Speech
Your comments must match the audience’s expectations. Mention other topics if they have a connection. Visual resources must be coherent.
15. Originality
Be different, with good taste and respect for the audience.
16. Figures, Data, Statistics
You have to show that you really know what you are talking about. Figures are useful to show credibility and clarity. Powerful statements must be based on solid evidence.
17. External Quote
Use famous sentences, old sayings, or historical statements, but don’t forget to mention the source.
18. Internal Quote
Mention what somebody said prior to your speech in the same room. This is an impactful resource that gives protagonism to a specific person.
19. News Quote
Mention things that are newsworthy. This happens to be an attractive resource and provides credibility.
20. Eye Contact
Eye contact is key to drawing attention. It helps to maintain a good rhythm since you connect with the public. You should look around but focus on the center.
21. Credibility
If you talk clearly and are well-prepared, you will be credible. Charisma is an important source of credibility.
22. Structure
If you set up a structure, your speech will be clearer. Transitions help the audience to know which part of the speech you are in. The “one, two, three” structure tends to be very effective.
23. Transitions
They provide clarity and draw attention.
24. Adequate Redundancy
Redundancy means repetition. It is correct to repeat main ideas.
25. Human Interest
People love listening to personal stories. The storytelling must be believable and connected with the main ideas of your speech.
26. Sense of Humor
Jokes and brilliant sentences draw attention. You must be careful as they are risky in front of a multicultural audience. Use them only if you know the audience.
27. A Memorable Moment
Create a very moment full of intensity and originality that everyone will remember in the future. Use it in connection with the main idea of your speech.
28. Showing an Object
Showing an object creates special expectation. It is very usual to do it in commercial presentations. The object must have a logical connection to the speech.
29. Time
Good speakers should not exceed the allotted time. A 10% plus or minus deviation is acceptable.
30. Charisma
Charisma means natural appeal. Charismatic speakers connect easily with the audience and gain great credibility.
31. Comfort for the Audience
A gentle attitude is highly appreciated. Being clear and systematic helps a lot.
32. Language Resources
A good command of language is fundamental. The right words should be used on each occasion. Knowing several languages is quite useful.
33. Dress Code
The dress code tells much about the personal brand of the speaker. Good speakers take care of their personal image. Everything communicates.