Communication

Public speaking is a good way of getting your views and message across at meetings, special events and other gatherings.

© UNICEF/HQ02-0108/Markisz

Jose, 18, from East Timor, speaks at the Security Council, New York, USA.

It can be difficult to stand up and speak in front of other people. But this is an important skill if you want to get your message across.

Preparation

If you are going to deliver a set speech at an event or meeting, you should have time to prepare it word for word. Make sure you do the necessary research, and keep it fairly brief so you do not bore your audience (20 minutes should generally be quite long enough). You should also make sure to take into consideration who your audience is and what their interests are. Then use the following tips on structure and content.

In the introduction:

• If it is your event, thank people for coming.
• Introduce yourself (give your name, age, group name and school if applicable).
• Introduce the issue that you are going to discuss.
• Try to grab your audience's attention straight away with a dramatic fact, statistic or a real life story.
• Give a very brief outline of what your speech will cover and why the issue is important to you.

In the main body of the speech:

• Make your content as concise and lively as you can, including examples involving real people. You could include an interesting or funny story that you have read about, or about something that has happened to you or someone you know. But beware trying to be funny about a sad subject or trying to make jokes if you are not comfortable with it. Try ideas out on other people first.
• Always bear your audience in mind. For example, you can be more informal if you are talking only to other young people than if your audience includes teachers, officials or other adults.
• Include vital facts from your research illustrating your main points.
• Say what you think should be done about the issue and what you and/or your group are trying to do.
• Say what you think the impact of these actions will be – and what the consequences are of not taking action.

In the conclusion:

• Sum up your main points.
• Explain how members of the audience can get involved.
• Say you will try to answer questions from members of the audience afterwards (if applicable).
• Thank people for listening.

Delivery

• Here are a few tips on delivering a speech successfully:
• Always memorize your speech! This will make it seem more spontaneous and allow you to make eye contact. Make a list of your main points to help you if you get stuck.
• Try to relax and not fidget.
• Speak slowly, loudly and clearly.
• Look at your audience.
• Do not be afraid of showing that you feel deeply about the issue. Your enthusiasm and commitment will inspire others.
• Practise giving your speech in front of a mirror to see how you look and how it sounds.

Contributing to a discussion

Many of the tips on delivering a speech are also relevant to taking part in a discussion at a meeting or other event. If you know what the subject of the discussion is in advance, you can prepare exactly what you want to say, although the content should be much briefer. If you decide to make a spontaneous contribution during the course of a meeting or event, you can still try to work out what you will say in your head while someone else is speaking.