Writing and delivering a speech can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can engage your audience and make a lasting impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or preparing for your first presentation, having a structured plan will help you create a speech that is both engaging and memorable.
Introduction
As a YouTuber, I stream on YouTube sometimes for up to four hours each day, and my longest stream ever was 24 hours! Many of the techniques shared in this guide for writing and delivering a great speech are the same ones I use during my live streams. My name is Danny de Hek, aka The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger. My channel focuses on shaming anyone running or promoting a Ponzi scheme or scam. The mission of my channel is to create as much public awareness as possible to save mum-and-dad investors from losing their kids’ inheritance to the multilevel marketing bottom feeders of the world. When I do my public speaking, whether on a livestream or at an event, I apply several key techniques to maintain engagement and deliver a powerful message.
How to Start Your Speech
A great speech starts with a strong opening. You need to capture your audience’s attention from the moment you step on stage. One way to do this is by having someone introduce you or using an engaging visual or audio cue, such as a PowerPoint slide or stopping introductory music. Once you have the audience’s focus, introduce yourself and greet them warmly.
Ensure that they can both see and hear you clearly, using a microphone or adjusting your position if necessary. To create a welcoming atmosphere, use open hand gestures, dramatic movements, and vocal variety. Asking a rhetorical question or involving the audience with a show of hands is a great way to draw them in. You can also begin with a personal story or a bold opening statement to set the tone and let them know what to expect from your speech.
How to End Your Speech
Just as a strong beginning is essential, so is a powerful ending. Your conclusion should signal to the audience that you are wrapping up, whether by summarizing your key points, presenting a final challenge, or reinforcing your main message. Using phrases like “In conclusion” helps indicate that you are closing your speech.
Bringing the speech full circle by referring back to your opening statement or initial question makes for a satisfying conclusion. If appropriate, move slightly closer to your audience to create a sense of connection and thank them for their time. Depending on the event, you may need to hand the stage back to the MC, take a bow, or invite the audience to ask questions. If your speech is tied to a product, service, or cause, this is the ideal time to deliver a compelling call to action.
Keeping Your Audience Engaged
Keeping your audience engaged throughout your speech is crucial. Start by choosing a topic that interests them—knowing your audience is key. To maintain their attention, make your speech interactive by involving them in discussions or posing thought-provoking questions. Humor is a powerful tool that can make your speech more enjoyable and relatable.
Avoid rambling and keep your content concise and to the point. Sticking to your allotted time will ensure that your audience stays focused. Personal stories help to create a deeper connection, and the use of props can make your speech more visually appealing. Keep your language clear and simple, avoiding jargon that might alienate listeners. If you use PowerPoint, make sure your slides are visually appealing, with minimal text and engaging imagery.
When I am streaming, I apply many of these techniques to keep my audience engaged for extended periods. I use humor, storytelling, and direct interaction with my viewers to keep them engaged. If I notice a drop in energy, I change my tone, move around, or introduce a new topic to keep things fresh and interesting. These same principles apply to delivering a compelling speech.
Engaging Your Audience While Streaming
When streaming live, audience engagement is even more critical. Unlike public speaking, where you can see and interact with the audience physically, in a live stream, engagement happens through the chat. I talk to people like they are in front of me and respond to comments and questions in real time. This creates a sense of conversation rather than just a one-way presentation.
Since the audience can only see me from the top up, gesturing can sometimes be a challenge, so I rely heavily on facial expressions to convey emotion and emphasis. However, I do use my hands to reinforce my points whenever possible. In live streaming, much like in public speaking, energy and enthusiasm are crucial. If I notice the number of live viewers dropping, it usually means I am losing engagement. A boring topic or lack of interaction can quickly drive people away, and once they leave, it’s hard to get them back. The more I engage with my audience—reading and responding to chat messages, calling out viewers by name, and making them feel involved—the more likely they are to stay on my streams longer.
Delivering Your Speech Effectively
Your delivery plays a significant role in keeping the audience engaged. Varying your vocal tone and using expressive facial expressions and gestures add interest and emphasize key points. Purposeful movement around the stage can make your speech more dynamic.
Most importantly, show passion for your topic. Enthusiasm is contagious, and if you believe in what you’re saying, your audience is more likely to believe in it too. Maintain eye contact and scan the room to make everyone feel included.
When I prepare for public speaking, whether in-person or online, I focus on understanding my audience. I research the topics they care about, anticipate potential questions, and ensure I bring the energy needed to keep them engaged. Preparation is key, and rehearsing my delivery helps me stay confident and in control of the message I want to share.
Conclusion
By following these principles, you can craft and deliver a speech that is not only informative but also engaging and impactful. Preparation, practice, and passion are the key ingredients to becoming a confident and compelling speaker. Whether you’re giving a speech in front of a live audience or streaming online, applying these techniques will help you connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression.
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