So you have summed up the courage to stand up and speak. You have decided to take up the challenge to elevate your career and overcome your fear of public speaking.That is a good thing.
You have decided to do something about your speaking skills, because you know the benefits of good speaking skills. What next for you?
Except for impromptu speaking, you will need to do some preparation before speaking. Your preparation will include:
- Selecting a Topic
- Creating an outline
- Writing your speech
- Practicing your speech
- Delivering your speech
- Evaluating your speech.
Today we will be looking at how to decide what to talk about. Remember that speaking is only a means of communicating a message. So avoid telling yourself that you can speak. You speak on a subject in which you are an authority.
How to Select A Topic
1. You Are Given The Subject To Speak On
You might be given a subject to speak on. This will make your choice of subject or topic easier but it does not make your speech preparation any easier. You will need to find out as much as you can about your topic. The internet is the easiest place to get information. However you do need to check you facts.
2. You Have To Choose A Subject
In choosing a subject, you will need to consider:
Your Purpose
Here are some types of speeches
- Sell a product
- Provide information that is
- Technical
- Non Technical
- Business Proposal
- Inspire your listeners to raise to another level
- Motivation for change
- To persuade to your course
- To entertain
Who will be in your audience?
- Young people
- Adults
- Male
- Female
- Mixed
- Cultural background
- Religious considerations
How about You
- Your knowledge of the topic
- Your enthusiasm about the topic
- The interest it will generate in your audience.
Where to find Topic ideas
- Personal everyday experiences
- Hobbies and recreational interests
- Discussions with friends and work collegues
- Books and magazines you read
- News and events
Keep an ideas file
This is a very useful tip. You never know when you have to stand up to speak especially at short notice. Getting into the habit of writing down and filing your ideas for later use is good practice.
Do you have your own way of deciding on a topic? Why not tell us by leaving a comment.