How to Prepare a Speech Contest
A speech contest challenges you to put your best effort into it and helps you to grow as a speaker. When preparing, your target should be to deliver your message effectively so that every listener understands the purpose of your speech.
With growing competition, it is difficult to grab the attention of the audience but with an effective approach, you can make it possible. Follow the below mentioned points and see the miracle yourself:
Preparing the Content
Select a Theme
Define the topic of your speech in one single sentence and then start elaborating. This would help you to make a better outline of your content. Try to research more and learn what others say. Figure out the background details, the current progression and future expectations.
Managing your Content
Whether using PowerPoint to show your information to the audience, or simply writing it on paper and memorizing the key points, it is important to make your content flow smoothly.
Before starting, always remember that the introductory part is the most important one where you need to catch the attention of the viewers. Here you can raise brainstorming questions, add a quote or an eye-catching fact.
The middle part of your speech should be interesting. You can add relevant stories and jokes to keep the audience going. Each point should make a connection with the upcoming point.
Ending should be in such a way that it makes your audience to think once and should have a positive impact on them. A thought-provoking final sentence can leave the spectators with an open interest in your subject. Before finalizing, give a thorough review to your information. For more details, read our article on best ways to prepare for a speech.
Presenting Yourself on Stage
- Your voice should be clear and natural. Use a friendly tone and make sure that you are audible to everyone.
- Maintain an eye contact with the whole gathering as it brings a sense of connectivity between you and the audience.
- Add minute pauses to your speech and do not speak quickly in nervousness.
- Your all gestures including body and hand movements should reflect confidence.
- If you are using any audio-visual aid to support your speech, then make sure that it is simple to understand and should not hold any complex shapes and structures.
- Practice your speech until you feel confident. Do not memorize every sentence word-to-word. Remembering some significant points would be sufficient.
- Try to elaborate with a conversational approach.
- Manage your time appropriately during the presentation or speech.
Keeping all these points in mind, you can create an effective presentation and can visualize yourself as a winner.