There is a formula to writing a speech: 9 segments divided by 3 sections. This format can be used for a speech of any length – the only thing that changes is the amount of content you choose!
When selecting your topic use the KISS method – Pick something Simple, which will be Heard, Understood and Remembered! Your speech should have one of three objectives: Persuade, Inform, or Inspire.
The speech template is split into three segments, each consisting of three parts. The nine points of your speech will be easy to remember and makes up a simple structure:
Section A – The preview
Segment 1 – Get Their Attention
Segment 2 – What’s the topic?
Segment 3 – Give them a Taste
Section B – The Body
Segment 4 – Point 1
Segment 5 – Point 2
Segment 6 – Point 3
Section C – The Conclusion
Segment 7 – Summary
Segment 8 – The Message
Segment 9 – Tying it in
Now doesn’t this format sound familiar? I know what it is! It’s the same format for writing an essay. If only those high school and college essays were so easy then, but hey you got this.
What’s that? You’ve never seen this before? I must be crazy to think this is as simple as writing a high school essay. Okay, let’s dig a little deeper.
Section A - The preview
Segment 1 - Getting the Audience’s Attention – Opening lines: The opening few seconds are crucial to grabbing the audience’s attention – use a quote, ask a question – do something that is going to make everyone sit up and listen!
Segment 2 - What is the subject matter? Is there a simple message you want to convey? Clearly state the message you want to leave with the audience.
Segment 3 - Preview – What is going to be discussed …brief overview of the main highlights from Section B.
Section B – The Body
The body of your speech should be organized as follows:
Segment 4 - First piece of information
Segment 5 - Second piece of information
Segment 6 - Third piece of information
By selecting just three pieces of information to focus on – the power of three – you will find that is enough to convey your message, but not so much that the listeners will forget the points by the end of the speech.
Section C – The Grand finale
Segment 7 – Summary: Now briefly summarise the speech highlight using the same highlights give in Section but throw in a twist and present those same highlights from a different angle.
Segment 8 - Tie the summary of the speech back to the simple, succinct message set out in Section A to loop the message – to this part of your conclusion. Repetition and resonation are important elements of public speaking.
Segment 9 - Refer to your attention grabber by using the same quote or question you used at the very beginning to round out the speech, showing your audience how it’s all tied together.
Yeah, but you still think it’s crazy to associate a speech format to the format for an essay? What are the three rules to writing an essay?
- Tell them what you go are going to tell them.
- Tell them three details or three arguments.
- Tell them what you told them.
Not so far fetched right?
Remember you don’t have to write out every word of the speech. In fact, writing out your speech could cause you trip over your self if you missed a word or phrase. All you have to remember is the 9 segments. And, if you have a hard time with the 9 segments just focus on remembering Section A as one item, the three points in your body, and Section C as one item. Five isn’t so scary right?
Remember Toastmasters is a safe place, a place to learn and grow. Even the best Toastmaster has a bad speech now and then. And I can’t wait to see you give your next speech.