SH1709

Speech Preparation Process

A well-planned speech greatly enhances the speaker’s self-confidence in the actual delivery. Plan
your speech carefully. Consider the following steps in the preparation process:

1. Know the purpose of the speech and the occasion that calls for your address.
There should be a fit for the occasion and the content, tone, and mood of your speech.

2. Analyze your perspective audience.

Expect who will be the audience. You must also recognize the situation of the state where
you will deliver the speech.

3. Choose an appropriate topic or theme.

Consider the topic you want, the topic you can relate to, and the topic you are interested at. If
you are given the theme by an organization and invited to speak, consider relating your
specialization in their theme. The theme will dictate whether you and your speech must be
humorous or not.

4. Prepare an outline of what you want to say.

The outline will prevent you from wandering from one idea to another. It is like an architect’s
building plan which the civil engineer will follow in its construction. A well-crafted speech
outline contributes to the unity and coherence of the entire material or essay. The desired
sequencing of thought is also achieved in a well-prepared outline.

Speech Structure
a) Opening/Introduction - The first 30 seconds of your speech are probably the most
important. In that period of time, you must grab the attention of the audience, and
engage their interest in what you have to say in your speech.
b) Body – The body of your speech will always be the largest part of your speech. The
best way to set out the body of your speech is by formulating a series of points that
you would like to raise. The points should be organized so that the related points
follow one another so that each point builds upon the previous one. This will give
your speech a more logical progression, and make the job of the listener a far easier
one.
c) Closing/Conclusion – The closing of your speech must contain some of your strongest
material. You should view the closing of your speech as an opportunity.

5. Gather materials for your speech.

Of course, you have your own reservoir of ideas; but you may want to research on what other
prominent experts have to say about the topic you have chosen. Their ideas will add more
impact to what you have to say.

6. Think and decide on a speech design.

Your speech must consider the time allotment given to you. You might need to consider the
flow of your speech. Some speakers have their own speech style; some show videos to
support and conclude their speech; some challenge the audience, and some give what was in
the end of mind that will make the audience think and reflect.

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 SH1709

7. Choose the method of delivery you want to use.

Do you want to memorize your speech? If it is a very brief one, it is all right. A long speech
is difficult to memorize. There is the risk of forgetting the text or of a mental block when you
are disturbed or interrupted. You’ll need a prompter, too.

You may opt to read the script. Most speakers use this to eliminate the risks met when the
speech is memorized.

Would you choose to deliver your piece extemporaneously? You will need cue cards securely
placed on your lectern, aside of course, from your script also on hand for easy recall.

Or do you want an impromptu delivery? It’s not easy for you as a beginner to use this type of
delivery. Only seasoned speakers choose this method.

8. Write your speech.

Focus on your topic. Follow your outline using research materials to support your own ideas
and claims. Indicate in your draft the summaries or breakers you intend to use. Place them
onto a clean copy, if you think a clean copy is needed. With the method of delivery you have
chosen, prepare what you need: Use cards, AV materials, etc.

With all these tasks done, you now must prepare yourself for the delivery of your masterpiece.

Reference:
Vinuya, R. (2012). Speech communication. Metro Manila: Grandbooks Publishing, Inc.

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