Choosing Public Speaking Topics
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009
by Tim Ackerman
Public Speaking Insider
If you've done some public speaking or have been involved in debating, you may be used to being given a topic to talk about. You do some research, make a few notes, plan your speech, and then get on with it to the best of your ability. But in the real world, it is often you who will have to decide on your own public speaking topics -- even if you are only talking to a small group of people. People who specialize in public speaking, and make a living from it, know that they need to choose a topic that relates directly to whatever it is they are involved in. For example, a master of ceremonies (MC) will know that if he or she is helping to launch a particular product, the speech or speeches will have to be appropriate and relate to that particular product. If they do their job well, they will ask for information and then do some of their own research to add to the topic.
Then there's the scenario that you have to do a presentation to colleagues or to prospective clients. While the topic will obviously be whatever you need to share with these people, it is often useful to define the topic in a lot more detail so that you know exactly what you want to say.
If you haven't done much public speaking, it can be tremendously intimidating deciding exactly what to say. Even the most confident people get stage fright.
Professionals are chosen to speak because they are trained and/or they are good at it. If you are an amateur speaker, you've probably been asked to speak because you are either:
- a naturally good speaker (trust your friends and believe in yourself),
- an entertaining person, or
- you know the people involved really well and they have confidence in you.
If you are invited to speak at a different type of event, for example the opening of an exhibition or a prize giving, then you need to link whatever you are going to say to whatever is being exhibited or awarded. While it always helps to be passionate or knowledgeable about whatever it is you are discussing, it also needs to be relevant. Passion and knowledge will make it easier for you to speak, but if it isn't meaningful, it probably won't work for those you are addressing.
Consider your audience, consider the occasion and then decide what to say.
Tim Ackerman is a public speaking enthusiast, author, and owner of PublicSpeakingInsider.com. Be sure to visit his visit his site for other great insights on choosing public speaking topics, along with many other useful tips to help you become a more powerful and effective communicator.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Hi Tim,I do a lot of public speaking. This is some very good advice. Welcome to SearchWarp!MarkThanks Mark.... glad to be here!
Good advice. Whether speaking or writing, it's always best to consider your audience before preparing material. Welcome to Searchwarp.Thank you Colin-- yes, agreed. Understanding the audience is really key to a successful presentation. Appreciate your feedback.Best, Tim
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