How to structure a speech that flows
Every speech needs a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Here is what goes in each part and how to build yours from the end backwards.
Introduction, body, conclusion. Open with a hook, carry a few main points in the body, and close by summing up and returning to your opening.
The three parts
Introduction
Grab attention with a startling statement, a short story or a quotation, not "Today I'm going to talk about X". Keep it short: the whole introduction is only 10 to 15 percent of the speech (Stand Up, Speak Out).
Body
Carry your central idea through a few main points. Each one should move the idea forward. Cut anything that doesn't.
Conclusion
Restate your central idea, review your main points and finish with a memorable closing line (Stand Up, Speak Out). Returning to the image or phrase from your opening ties the talk together.
Building yours
Start with the close. Write the one sentence you want people to walk out repeating. Then choose the main points that lead there, and only then write the opening that sets them up.
Turn the finished structure into notecards with key words and phrases and speak from those, not from a script (Stand Up, Speak Out).
Questions readers ask
Can I use this for a wedding toast?
Yes. The same three parts work at any length: a one-line hook, a story or two, and a close that becomes the toast itself. More in weddings and events.
How many main points should a speech have?
As few as your idea needs. Every point should push the central idea forward; if it doesn't, cut it.
Test your opening
Record the opening, or the whole talk, and see where you sped up or trailed off.
Practise out loud for freeFree on iPhone and Android
Sources
- The Attention-Getter: The First Step of an Introduction, Stand Up, Speak Out (Saylor Academy open textbook)
- Steps of a Conclusion, Stand Up, Speak Out (Saylor Academy open textbook)
- Using Notes Effectively, Stand Up, Speak Out (Saylor Academy open textbook)