Three Steps for Crafting a Compelling Speaking Presentation

by Lori Hatcher

Your writing has opened up opportunities to speak. You realize your life experiences and spiritual insight can make a difference in other people’s lives. You know what you want to say, but you aren’t sure how best to say it. 

Toastmasters International speaker Ryan Avery studied 25 years of the International Speech Contest winners to determine which elements are most important in crafting a memorable, moving, and motivating speech. He included these three elements in his speech, “Trust Is a Must,” and walked away as the 2012 Toastmasters International World Champion. 

When he spoke to my Toastmasters International club, he shared a three-step formula that helped him craft his compelling presentation. We can apply these steps to our own speeches.

Step 1: Make Your Speech Simple—Simple Always Wins

Use an introduction (a hook), three supporting stories, and a conclusion that ties into your introduction. Choose one main point and use everything else to point to and reinforce your point. 

Use a constant object, word, or phrase to connect your stories to your purpose. Sometimes this is called a “sticky statement.”

Remember that simple doesn’t have to be dry, dull, or boring. Look for ways to engage all five senses and incorporate intentional gestures to reinforce key points. Leverage the power of the pause for emphasis.

Resist the urge to be the hero in your own story. Let others learn from your mistakes and be sure God gets the glory, not you.

As with good writing, use as much active voice as you can to add emphasis and power to your presentation.

Step 2: Make your speech impactful

Find your passion and share it. If you could only tell one message to one person, what would that message be? Instead of “giving a speech,” share a message from your heart.

Ask, what story from my experience can help someone else? Be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to tell on yourself, providing you do so in ways that are appropriate to your topic and your audience. 

Step 3: Make Your Speech Relatable

Take time necessary to craft a title that inspires curiosity or interest. 

Resist the urge to tell jokes. Share a failure instead. If you can laugh about your mistakes, and you invite your audience to laugh with you, they’ll find it easier to connect with you. It’s hard to relate to a perfect person.

With your family’s permission, use your them to be relatable. I mean, who can’t relate to a story about cute grandkids, a cuddly dog, or quirky in-laws?

Remember, dress to relate, not to impress. Speakers should dress one level above the audience’s dress, but don’t wear a tuxedo to a potluck. Dressing down can communicate disrespect for the audience, but dressing too far up can make you appear disconnected and superior. If you’re not sure what the dress will be, ask your event coordinator.

If you’re a writer, you’ve noticed that many of the components of a successful written presentation transfer over into a memorable, moving, and motivational speech. You may never become a Toastmasters International Champion of Public Speaking, but with a few tweaks and a nod toward stage presence, you can create a presentation that will delight your audience and allow you to share the message God has laid on your heart.

Now it’s your turn to join the conversation. Share your best tip for a successful speaking presentation in the comments below.

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Three Steps for Crafting a Compelling Speaking Presentation from Lori Hatcher on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher loves to inspire and equip others by sharing high-impact stories for spiritual transformation. A popular women’s ministry speaker and writing/speaking instructor, Lori is an Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze with Toastmasters International. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. Check out her latest devotional, A WORD FOR YOUR DAY: 66 DEVOTIONS TO REFRESH YOUR MIND, from Our Daily Bread Publishing. Connect with her at LORIHATCHER.COM or on FACEBOOK.