According to Darlene Price, author of the book “Well said! Presentations and conversations that get results ”(“ Well Said! Presentations and conversations that get results ”), the first 60 seconds are especially important for the speaker at the beginning of the speech. This time is enough to gain the audience’s attention, gain trust, orient in the topic and adjust to the next part of the speech. If you spend this time on unnecessary details, thanks or apologies, etc., the audience’s attention will be lost.

Next we share with you life hacks that will definitely be needed by communications professionals and will help to write effective speeches for speakers.

# 1. Audience analysis. This is the first step for a professional to begin preparing for a speech. Understand who your audience is and how they live. How well do listeners understand the topic and how do they feel about it? What pain points do they have – what will make them agree during the speaker’s speech, and what – to protest.

# 2. The right start. As we wrote at the beginning, in order to gain the trust of the audience, it is important to start the speech correctly. Get creative with the beginning of the performance – tell a fascinating story, ask a rhetorical question, voice a shocking statistic or title, use a weighty quote or comment, include a short thematic video or, for example, add props (flipchart, bunch of carrots, etc.) to the performance. This way you will supplement the speech with an emotional component or add an element of a joke.

Announce the structure of the speech, because the audience wants to understand where everything is going. At the same time, leave the intrigue.

# 3. The final goal. As you prepare your speech, think about the results you want to get after it is delivered. Think about what people should do after you finish your speech. Use certain services, contribute to a charity project, vote for a candidate?

# 4. Speech structure. One of the key recommendations for the specialist who will prepare the speech. The principle of division into blocks works well in public speeches. Everyone must reveal the thesis and lead to a certain conclusion, as well as to call to action. It is important to remember that each thesis must be supported by an argument or example. Often, a speech that consists only of the speaker’s own experience and instructions is uninteresting. If you add relevant statistics, research and interesting business cases – it will make the text effective and convincing.

# 5. One idea. The speech should have one idea, on which all theses are strung. Actually, this idea is worth focusing on. Don’t try to write everything you know in your speech. Uncover the database, intrigue, tell about the most interesting and practical – so the audience will only have a stronger desire to continue to study the topic or listen to the speech again.

# 6. Motivational speeches. If you have enough time to write a speech, you should get a strong base for inspiration. Check out motivational presentations at TED Talks , or read Chris Anderson’s book, Successful Speeches at TED. Recipes of the best performances “.

Also, be prepared for questions. They are sure to sound if the audience is interested in the topic or if the audience feels any inaccuracies. Therefore, think about the most likely questions and answers to them in advance. Get ready for a plan “B”, which will help to attract the attention of listeners or stop the discussion that has deviated from the required topic.