5 QUICK TIPS ON HOW TO GIVE AN EFFECTIVE MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH

This post is part 3 of a series of posts that where we will be sharing with you quick tips on how to deliver all types of speech that we mentioned in our most-read post on this blog, 10 Types of Speeches. Instead of just telling you that there is a motivational speech or an informative speech, we want you to know how exactly you will be delivering and structuring each one of these types of speeches.

RELATED ARTICLES

Original post: 10 different types of Speech – Learn to choose your speech type based on the desired result

Part I. 8 Persuasive Speech Techniques & Topics

Part II. 9 Tips for Writing and Amazing Informative Speech and 120+ Topic Ideas

Being able to stand in front of an audience and try to propel them to pursue their goals is a privilege and should be treated as such. If you find yourself in a position to give motivational speeches, then you are probably a well-known speaker or a leader in some capacity, or maybe you are just a regular person, it doesn’t matter. So long as you can deliver, the audience will be grateful. In this article, we will be going over some tips on how to give an effective motivational speech and some examples of motivational speech topics. But before that, what exactly is a motivational speech?

SHORT DEFINITION OF A MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH

A motivational speech is a speech that inspires people to make or drive a change. It enkindles in people the desire for a better experience. 

Related Article: How to Become a Motivational Speaker?

5 STEPS TO TAKE IN GIVING AN EFFECTIVE MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH.

1. PREPARATION IS KEY

This is true irrespective of the type of speech you are giving. But when it comes to motivational speeches, preparation is doubly important because you don’t want to audience to feel that you are not putting in your all. If they sense that you are “half-assing” it, they will get pulled out of the experience and would probably spend their time watching the time, waiting for you to stop. 

Do all necessary research, crosscheck your facts, make sure your numbers are right. Write down your speech and rehearse delivering it over and over again. Practice delivering the speech in front of a mirror, be expressive, use hand gestures. You will want to get to a state where the speech just flows from within you. 

How you deliver the speech is important, especially a motivational speech. The audience feeds off your charisma and energy. So, give it your all, turn up your energy. 

2. GET THE ATTENTION OF YOUR AUDIENCE

The first few minutes of your speech goes a long way to set the tone for the entire speech. So, do all you can to begin on a high note. If comedy isn’t your thing, avoid trying to open on a joke. A profound quote, fact or even a story will be great.

If you must introduce yourself, do it in a manner that can’t be ignored. Here’s an example, say maybe a speaker who is a millionaire online entrepreneur was invited to motivate a group of entrepreneurs. Imagine if his opening remark was, “Hi, my name is John and I have made 10 million dollars online in the past 12 months”. Now that’s an opener that can’t be ignored. You will agree with me that after a statement like that, the audience will sit up and want to hear all that the speaker has to say. 

Want to learn how to make sure you don’t bore your audience? Please check out our 5 tips for engaging your audience.

3. TELL THEM YOUR STORY

Everyone loves a good story, I know I do. The audience will most likely connect with someone whose passion and enthusiasm is palpable. And a sure-fire way to guarantee that your enthusiasm and passion shine through in your speech is to tell your own story. How you overcame your challenges to become the person you are today. And how your audience can do so too if they are determined to.

Once the audience senses that you are emotionally invested in helping them succeed, they will be hooked. Even if you are not a charismatic speaker, telling your story will elevate your speech. For more on how to tell engaging stories, check the article below.

Related Article: 8 Tips to Help You Master the Art of Storytelling

4. DELIVER A COMPELLING MESSAGE

What exactly are you trying to tell your audience? It should be clear from the onset. All your points and stories should only serve to buttress your central message. Your audience should leave with one focus in mind, a sort of “matching order” if you will. If you beat around the bush without getting to the meat of the matter, your audience will leave with no idea of what action steps to take. The whole purpose of your speech would have been defeated.

Be sure to use references and examples that your audience will most likely understand and easily relate to. Always ensure that they are carried along every step of the way. To ensure your message packs a punch, check out the 8 great tips to preparing a memorable speech in the related article below.

Related Article: How to Write a Memorable Speech?

5. END YOUR SPEECH WITH A BANG

Your closing remarks will most likely be remembered by your audience long after your speech is done. You should do all you can to make those closing moments as memorable as possible.

In a much as ending with a witty comment is cool, don’t forget to give your audience clear steps to take moving forward. Give them a summary of your speech and the new beliefs they are expected to imbibe moving forward. This will help the audience assimilate your speech and have clear takeaways. 

If there is still some time left at the end of your speech, you can allow your audience members to ask questions and share experiences. This way, your audience is engaged right to the very end. Learn more about how to achieve that in with the 6 awesome tips of the article mentioned below.

Related Article: 6 Remarkable Ways to End Your Presentation

22 MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH TOPICS YOU CAN USE

Here is a list of motivational speech topics across a variety of fields.

Motivational Speech Topics on Personal Development

• You are capable of more than you think.
• Do it now, not tomorrow.
• Discipline differentiates us.
• Be focused.
• Dream big.
• How to be self-motivated.
• Bad habits take you nowhere.
• If they could change the world, you can too.

Motivational Speech Topics In Work and Education

• How to Boost sales.
• Starting your own business, the pathway to financial freedom.
• Fail fast, fail forward.
• Teamwork is the key to success.
• Plan for success.
• How to climb up the corporate ladder.
• Stand out from your peers.
• How to build the best team for your business.

Motivational Speech Topics in an Academic Setting

• Be positive.
• Align your habits to your goals.
• Don’t give in to peer pressure.
• Be excellent in all that you do.
• Champions never give up.
• Reading and studying will always be relevant.

CONCLUSION

There you have it, consider the above tips and topic ideas next time you are called upon to give a motivational speech. At the end of your speech, your audience should be thirsty for more. They should be eager to listen to you again. How do you achieve this? By giving your all; preparing adequately, telling your story, appealing to their emotions, and passing across a clear message. 

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

Here’s a list of the top articles you can consult to get more ideas on how to give inspiring and motivational speeches.

Bill Murphy. 7 Steps to an Inspiring and Memorable Speech. https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/7-steps-to-an-inspiring-and-memorable-speech.html . Accessed on 08/31/2019.

Carol Morgan. How to give an inspiring and Memorable Speech. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-give-inspiring-and-memorable-speech.html. Accessed on 08/31/2019

Samuel Rodenhizer. How to write a motivational and inspirational speech. https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/8879/write-give-motivational-speech/ . Accessed on 08/31/2019.