When Bad Speeches Happen to Good People

If you've ever been on the giving or receiving end of a poorly written or poorly executed speech, you know how painful that experience can be. The truth is, bad speeches can happen to anyone — even if you're an expert on the topic, at ease in front of an audience or blessed with the gift of gab. Just a few rambling anecdotes, one too many details or an inappropriate joke can leave your listeners cold. So how can you keep an audience engaged during your speech? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be yourself: Whether you've hired someone to pen your speech or plan on writing it yourself, make sure your content reflects the rhythm and cadence of your voice, the pace at which you speak and the types of words you'd typically use.
• Fine tune your facts: Being a subject matter expert can be both a blessing and a curse. On the upside, you have the expertise to lend substance and credibility to your presentation. On the downside, you may have a hard time paring down your information to an appropriate level of detail. In any case, stay focused on what your audience truly needs to know.
• Get ready for your close up: Know your speech by heart, so you're not fumbling with index cards when you should be making eye contact with your audience. Videotape your practice sessions so you can critique your facial expressions, gestures and overall body language.
• Stay balanced: It's great to bring energy and enthusiasm to your topic, but take care not to become too intense or overly emotional during your presentation. Your audience could end up feeling uncomfortable or alienated.
• Face front: Whatever you do, don't turn your back on your audience. Your attention should be on the people in the room — not on your visuals.
• Provide a verbal roadmap: State your central idea up front, quickly outline the main ideas you plan to cover and then at the end of your speech, close with a brief summary of the key points you've discussed.
• Handle humor with care: Without question, a well-timed joke or funny anecdote can break the ice and liven up a crowd, but be sure your content is suited to your audience and the occasion. If you’re not careful, you could spend the remainder of your podium time apologizing and backpedalling.
• Finish strong: Give your audience something to think about and/or do once they leave the room. Close your speech with a memorable anecdote, a call to action or a question to reflect on.
• Don't run late: Even an adoring crowd will turn on you if your speech drags on too long. Respect their time by sticking to your allotted time.

You don't have to be a great public speaker to give a really good speech. If you're sincere, succinct and deliver sound content — keeping the above tips in mind — chances are you'll do a great job at the podium and will leave a positive impression on your audience!