Time limit: 5 minutes
If you are preparing to give a speech in an hour, you don’t have time to figure out a lot of main points, so keep it to 2 or 3. By limiting the number of main points to 2 or 3, not only will they be easier for the audience to remember, they will be easier for you to remember, too!
First, spend just a couple of minutes brainstorming at least 7 possible main points.
Ask: Does it support my purpose? Is it relevant to my audience>?
Second, narrow down or combine your ideas into 2-3 main points.
Here is an example for the sample topic: To persuade engineers that developing public speaking skills will enhance their careers.
Main point 1: Public speaking skills are important for engineers
Main point 2: Public speaking skills can be challenging for engineers
Main point 3: Opportunities to improve public speaking skills
For this example, I chose a topical approach, with points 2 and 3 being problem-solution.
This is the fourth of 9 posts with the steps to take plus 10 delivery tips to be ready in an hour to “wow” your audience! The steps only take 50 minutes, which gives you time to read the information before doing the step.
The course includes the material in the 9-part post sequence, plus worksheets for each step, and brief video instructions from me!
