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Public Speaking Tips
The Inspirational Speech
The word “inspire” means “to breathe into.” In this busy work-a-day world wind we live in, it is easy to lose sight of our goals and dreams. We often look to others especially speakers to motivate us to revive and achieve those dreams. In fact, great leaders have been able to inspire entire countries, cities and companies to overcome huge obstacles. I am reminded of how Martin Luther King, Jr.influenced a whole nation with his words and led us to a Civil Rights Movement that changed the course of history in America. If you like to read, and remember leaders are readers, this is a must read.
You as a speaker have the ability to greatly influence your audience, perhaps into some life changing events. Your speech should contain illustrations and thoughts that capture the audience’s imagination and breathe life into the talk. You are there to life up your listeners with your words and inspire them to achieve great things. This is where the qualities of leadership come to play. An inspirational speech calls for dignity, excellence of style and an emotional rapport with your audience.
Here are 10 Elements of an Inspirational Speech
1. Share personal stories. Make it real. A personal story is universal and unique. We all have many to choose from and they are usually different and fascinating to listen to.
2. Touch a nerve with the audience, display emotion. Stir the pot and “cut the onions” to release a flow of memories powerful enough to make us listen, laugh and cry. By sharing our deepest feelings, the audience members relive your experiences and tingle along with you.
3. Talk about overcoming adversity to achieve a personal goal. Stories about the underdog succeeding against the odds will always be popular. The struggle with dilemmas and hardship is a universal human condition we all can relate to.
4. Incorporate humor. We learn best while we are laughing; humor is indeed “the best medicine.”
5. Explain that success is universal and repeatable. We like to know success can happen to us as well. No matter how bad we all want to believe we can achieve a happy ending.
6. Provide hope. Remind the audience that no challenge is too great for those who are resourceful and determined.
7. Be confident. Since you’re giving expression to something your audience already feels and believes, this isn’t the place to raise questions or express doubts.
8. Show enthusiasm and vitality. Use body language to demonstrate your conviction. Paint vivid word pictures to bring the audience
9. Provide purpose. Show the audience what they can and should do. Don’t criticize them for not doing something. Give them a sense of purpose.
10. Give clear and specific illustrations and conclusions. Rely heavily on illustrations and examples to make your audience feel what you feel. Choose your words carefully and aim them for the heart, not the head. Present enough information to make sure your audience is with you all the way.
Keeping these elements in mind will help you deliver a great inspirational speech that your audience will be talking about for a long time.
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