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Five fingers for a structured speech. Five-finger speech structure.

May 29, 2020 | Communication Skills, Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design, Presentation Skills

Five fingers for a structured speech. 5-finger speech structure.

How to structure your speech
Hand

5-finger speech structure

 

A good reason for speaking; a specific message has to be communicated. In practice, however, it happens far too often that in the end, it is not clear to the listener what it was about. Whether in speeches, presentations, or conversations, listeners very often ask themselves what it was all about.

It is usually because speakers have not thoughtfully structured their speech and have not prioritized the content. How about a hint to make it more effective?

It is better to structure your speech in such a way that the listeners clearly understand what you intended to convey to them at the end. This requires appropriate preparation. However, there is not always a lot of time available for this. Then, for example, the 5-finger speech structure can be very helpful. Here you can learn how.

Overview

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Five fingers for a structured speech. Five-finger speech structure.

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How to structure speeches with the five-finger speech format

 

If the audience does not understand the intended message at the end of a speech, it is usually because speakers have not thoughtfully structured their speech and have not prioritized the content.

It is much better to structure speeches in such a way that the audience clearly understands what you wanted to convey to them at the end. This requires appropriate preparation. However, there is not always much time available for this. In meetings, for example, spontaneity is required. It is good to know that the 5-finger speech structure can also be very helpful for impromptu speeches. Here you can learn how.

 

 

 

The five-finger speech structure step by step

 

It’s a very simple procedure. Each finger of a hand represents a step. So you always have the order of your argumentation in your hand:

 

 

1. The thumb

 

The thumb is expressing the “status quo”. Give an overview of the actual situation. Describe the general conditions and possible consequences.

What is positive about it and what opportunities are associated with it. Where are changes urgently needed and what risks are identifiable.

What happens if no changes are made. Make sure that the meaning of the following statements is understood. If the audience is not concerned, the necessary willingness to become active is lacking.

 

 

 

2. The index finger

 

The index finger points to the target. When expressing the goal, orientate yourself on the SMART model and do not confuse it with the benefit.

As a reminder of the characteristics of SMART goals, you can read the article “Rather SMART goals than unfulfilled wishes. SMART goals make life easier.“

 

 

 

3. The middle finger

 

The middle finger describes the way, the implementation, how the goal is achieved. Which measures are necessary to achieve the desired result.

Helpful questions for your:

  • Who can make what contribution to the achievement of the goal?
  • When should the goal be reached?
  • Where will what be necessary?
  • How should the goal be achieved?
  • What resources are required and where do they come from?

 

 

 

4. The ring finger

 

The ring finger stands for the benefits. Describe the specific benefits that the goal you are aiming for and the solution you are presenting have for the audience. Describe how the situation will change positively in the short, medium, and long term.

 

 

 

5. The little finger

 

The little finger is dedicated to the call to action.

At the end of your speech, describe the first step, which is easy to perform, and the corresponding concrete call to action. It should be neither too small nor too large. If it is too big, the project will not be set in motion. The speech ends with the appeal.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The five-finger speech structure is a practical and effective method of giving speech a form. It is easy to learn and memorize.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered. 

You want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help a performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

Please read the information about the privacy policy.

Contact

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Did you know the five-fingered speech structure? How do you structure your speeches and presentations, how do you structure your talks?​

Great Ideas Need Wings As Well As Landing Gear And...

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 6, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: May 29, 2020
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/redestruktur-hand-finger/
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#348

The first rule of rhetoric: Let us start with the basics of speaking.

Aug 17, 2019 | Communication Skills, Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design, Presentation Skills

The First Rule Of Rhetoric: Let Us Start With The Basics Of Speaking.

The fundamental role that is mostly neglected
First rule of rhetoric: Let us start with the basics of speaking.

The first rule of rhetoric

 

Does everyone have to say something about everything? In my opinion, the most important rule of rhetoric and good communication style is that those who have nothing to say should shut up.

Overview

The first and most important rule of rhetoric

 

 

1. rhetorical rule:

 

Those who have nothing to say should shut up.

 

It is worthwhile to consider the most important rule of rhetoric. And it isn’t a new one.

 

 

 

The basics of communication

 

The first rule of good style – almost sufficient in itself – is that you have something to say.

Arthur Schopenhauer

 

 

 

Once upon a time…

 

I had an otherwise very esteemed colleague who used to express himself regularly every 15 minutes. And he did this largely independently of the topic and the relevance of the personal contribution to it. He had read in a career guide that behavior would be good to progress with his career.

With cause and effect, it is sometimes such a thing. He has succeeded well with his career, and therefore he will probably consider this recommendation right. I think, however, that he was able to make a career with his other knowledge and skills. His verbal contributions in meetings, however, were no pleasure for everyone else involved. It was a direct violation of the 1st rule of rhetoric: Who has nothing to say, better shut up! Or in the words of Abraham Lincoln: “It is better to remain silent and be suspected of being an idiot than to speak and thereby remove all doubts.

 

 

 

Am I exaggerating my position?

 

With some distance to this article, I tend to relativize my thoughts. I still stand by the basic statement, but the words can also be misunderstood. After all, I am a great friend of the idea that speakers express their thoughts while forming an opinion and sharing it with others. This can be very enriching for everyone involved. It is not about one’s own ego, but about contributing something.

So every speaker is invited to think about his or her intention beforehand.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered. 

You want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help a performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

Please read the information about the privacy policy.

Contact

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you think about this fundamental rule?

First rule of rhetoric: Those who have nothing to say should shut up. - Karsten Noack

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: May 2, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/erste-regel-der-rhetorik/
K:
H:
T: RR
#977

Structure for speeches and presentations: Take your audience from hell to heaven.

Aug 15, 2019 | Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design, Storytelling

Structure For Speeches And Presentations: Take Your Audience From Hell to Heaven.

Speech structure Hell-Heaven-Way: How to structure your speech to make a mighty impression
Ancient structuring formula for speeches and presentation

Structure of speech: From hell to heaven

 

Promote a desirable change? Better products and processes, a public challenge, etc. This speech structure makes it easier to convince more effectively. Use the tips for your speeches and presentations. 

Overview

Take your audience with you: From hell to heaven

 

Do you offer a way to better conditions? It’s about promoting change? Whether products, processes, etc. Do you want to hold a public office?

I call this easy to use and very effective speech structure the “Hell Heaven Way”. If the conditions are untenable and there are solutions available, you can also use it outside the church to convince your audience.

 

 

 

Sections of that speech structure

 

The structure of Hell-Heaven-Way is easy to learn:

  • Hell
    In this case, this is the unpleasant actual condition
  • Heaven
    This is the idyllic target state.
  • Way
    Your solution and the way to get there.

 

 

 

Step by step instructions

 

Step 1: Hell

 

Describe the untenable current situation. Clarify the disadvantages, increase the level of concern. Address all senses. Underline how chaotic, faulty and unsafe the condition is. Draw a gloomy picture. It’s about the contrast: If there were no hell, who would dream of coming to paradise?

 

 

 

Step 2: Heaven

 

This is the target state with the comparatively beautiful conditions. In beautiful colors, you describe the paradisaical situations. What a contrast!

 

 

 

Step 3: Way

 

To hell with hell! You present your solution and the way there. A Spanish proverb says: “You don’t ascend to heaven on a ladder but through good works”. Describe how you will guide your target group into the promised land. As with Adam, Eve and the apple, so to speak, only the other way round. Who can resist the temptation? Hallelujah!

 

 

 

Advantages of this speech structure

 

Hell-Heaven-Way is a very catchy speech structure that the audience can easily follow. This enhances credibility. The biggest advantage of this simple speech format lies in creating the maximum contrast between the target and the actual state: before hell – after heaven. The target state must be very desirable! Comparing before and after from hell to heaven is an increase of the antithesis. Here all senses can easily be addressed and the effect intensified.

More?

 

Is that enough theory? You can find out more about the practical use of ancient rhetoric in Presentations Skills Training III, without the need for ancient Greek or Latin.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered. 

You want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help a performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

Please read the information about the privacy policy.

Contact

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Do you have any experience with this speech structure?

True, Heaven prohibits certain pleasures; but one can generally negotiate a compromise. Moliere

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 6, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#124

Keith Johnstone, improvisational theater, 14 rules and ImproRhetoric™

Aug 5, 2019 | Impromptu Speaking, Quick Wittedness

Keith Johnstone, Improvisational Theatre, 14 Rules and ImproRhetoric™

Improv wisdom
Keith Johnstone

Keith Johnstone and the improvisational theater

 

Keith Johnstone is considered to be the founder of modern improvisation theater and thus provided me with numerous ideas for the development of improRhetorics™. Read the 14 “Rules” of improvisation theater. Models and wisdom for coaching and presentation skills. I do not only recommend the books and ideas of Keith Johnstone to participants in my workshops.

Overview

Keith Johnstone, founder of improvisation theatre

 

Keith Johnstone (* 1933) is regarded as the founder of modern improvisational theatre. From 1956 to 1966 he worked at the Royal Court Theatre in London as a dramaturg and director and taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Since 1971 he has passed on his skills and knowledge to the University of Calgary, Canada, where he founded The Loose Moose Theatre Company. In Europe Johnstone has taught at various drama schools and universities and continues to influence improvisational theatre to this day. I owe him many very useful insights, which today flow into presentation skills training and ImproRhetoric™ in particular.

14 “Rules” of improvisational theatre

 

You can also benefit from the suggestions of improvisation theatre in many other areas.

 

Wisdom for improvisational actors:

 

1. Be courageous

 

Be brave and dare.

 

 

 

2. Accept, yes, and …

 

Take the offer and make the most of it.

 

 

3. Play along

 

Acting instead of just watching.

 

 

 

4. Assert

 

 

 

5. Demonstrate commitment

 

 

 

6. Listen attentively

 

 

 

7. Be awake, in the moment and flexible

 

Humans have many ncredible talents, but multitasking isn’t one of them. If we are preoccupied with something else, we’re missing the now. We are best when we work in the now. It is important paying attention to and focusing on the present.

 

 

 

8. Support the partners and make them look good.

 

Take care of each others. Support each other. Start with that.

 

 

 

9. Support the scene

 

 

 

10. Observe the environment attentively

 

 

 

11. Practice, practice, practice

 

 

 

12. Promote what would please you as a spectator.

 

 

 

13. Trust

 

Learn to trust yourself and your inspirations.

 

 

 

14. Celebrating slips and moving on

 

Make mistakes, please. Whether in improvisational theatre or life, you can only succeed if you take action. When you attempt something and don’t succeed, it’s not that you failed but that you’ve learned. And when you try again, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding. Failure is not even trying.

More?

 

Is that enough theory? You can find out more about the practical use of ancient rhetoric in Presentations Skills Training III, without the need for ancient Greek or Latin.

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

Please read the information about the privacy policy.

Contact

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you think of improvisational theatre and have you already come into contact with improRhetorics™?

The secret of improv

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 6, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#124

The ancient speech structure for your speeches and presentations

Aug 3, 2019 | Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design

The Ancient Greek Speech Structure For Your Speeches and Presentations

How to structure your speech to make a mighty impression
Ancient structuring formula for speeches and presentation

Ancient speech structure

 

The ancient greek speech structure is probably the oldest structuring formula for speeches. It dates back to antiquity. And it still works today for speeches and presentations. Learn how to convince classically. 

Overview

Back to the roots: The ancient Greek speech structure

 

The Greeks and Romans cultivated the art of oratory. It had a quite high reputation in these cultures. Aristotle already knew that the speaker’s credibility, i.e. his ethos, was particularly important. And there are other things we can learn from this heyday of rhetoric. For example, in building up convincing speeches and presentations.

 

 

 

The structure of ancient Greek speech, step by step

 

Probably the oldest structure formula for speeches dates back to antiquity; the ancient Greek. It is particularly suitable for more extensive speeches. The structure is very well-thought-out and effective. Speeches are structured with it as follows:

1. First, win benevolence

 

Prepare the audience to listen to the speaker’s point of view at all.

 

 

 

2. Describe the actual situation

 

Describe the previous development and the current status without evaluation. This prepares the ground for the next steps.

 

 

 

3. Point out alternatives.

 

What other possibilities exist?

 

 

 

4. Justify your recommendations and discuss their advantages.

 

Why do you prefer your recommendation?

 

 

 

5. Disprove possible counterarguments

 

What counterarguments could there be and how do you refute them?

 

 

 

6. Summarize your most important words

 

Summarize your words and come to a conclusion.

 

 

 

7. Inspire your audience

 

Get the audience moving.

 

 

 

8. Call for action

 

What should the audience do now?

 

 

 

Remark

 

Steps 6 to 8 are called conclusions (conclusio) in the classical form.

More?

 

Is that enough theory? You can find out more about the practical use of ancient rhetoric in Presentations Skills Training III, without the need for ancient Greek or Latin.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered. 

You want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help a performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

Please read the information about the privacy policy.

Contact

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Do you have any experience with this speech structure?

Great Ideas Need Wings As Well As Landing Gear And...

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 6, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/antike-redegliederung/
K:
H:
T: RR
#124

Ace impromtu speeches with P.R.E.P.

Aug 1, 2019 | Impromptu Speaking

Ace Impromptu Speeches With P.R.E.P.

The art of impromptu speaking
Impromptu speaking - the art of impromptu speaking

Impromptu speaking made easy

 

Learn more about P.R.E.P. and how you and your audience will enjoy spontaneous speeches with this speech structure.

Overview

P.R.E.P. and how you and your audience will enjoy impromptu speeches 

 

Even the most confident and experienced speaker gets a little warmer when asked to speak at short notice about something they haven’t prepared for. What about you, do you like the moments when you are asked to say something? Are you speechless or do you welcome such an occasion? Some like it and others stand there stuttering, with sweaty hands and a pulse rate like after a hard workout.

Don’t miss these chances. There are many opportunities for spontaneous speaking, be it in an interview, at a meeting at work, or a social event like a birthday.

 

 

 

From zero to a hundred

 

What’s there to say in a nutshell? How do I start and how should I make an impression? Am I for or against an idea? Sometimes it is necessary to clarify your point of view first. The many thoughts need to be arranged in such a way that they can be convincingly presented to the audience. Therefore, one of the first steps in the selection of an appropriate speech structure.

 

 

 

Master impromptu speeches with P.R.E.P.

 

A very simple language structure, which is suitable for open speech, is P.R.E.P. Here each letter stands for an English term, a kind of mnemonic. With P.R.E.P. you can prepare a speech in a very short time and even use it in a spontaneous speech.

P.R.E.P. stands for:

 

Point

 

Start your speech with your main point. Concentrate on one point instead of naming too many aspects at once. This makes it easier for your audience to follow your thoughts.

 

 

Reason

 

This refers to reasons in the sense of justification. Tell your audience why you think your argument is true. If available, you can use research and statistics if they are credible.

 

 

Example

 

Use one or more examples to illustrate your most important points and reasons.

 

 

Point

 

Repeat your core messages so that they affect the minds of the audience.

Training for Impromtu Speaking

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

Please read the information about the privacy policy.

Contact

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Do you like P.R.E.P. as a speech structure?  I’d love to hear from you. Tell me, if this simple structure was useful for your spontaneous speeches.

blank

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2008
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#676

How to organize your speech? Speech structure: Opening, body, conclusion

Apr 24, 2019 | Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design

How to organize your speech? Speech structure: Opening, body, conclusion

Speech structure
Do You Trust More Your Ears Or Your Eyes?

How to structure your speeches and presentations

 

How do you organize your speeches and presentations? In this article, you will find the simplest structure already taught at the school level. It is still taught because it still works.

Overview

The worst speech you’ll ever give, will be far better than the one you never give.

Opening, body, conclusion

 

This is the most simple structure taught at school level. It is still taught because it is easily constructed and works. Like any good story, your speech or presentation needs a clear beginning and a clear ending.

By giving your speech a beginning, a middle and an end, you lay the foundation for a successful speech that meets the expectations of the audience.

 

 

1. Opening

 

Attract the attention of your audience by creating an interesting opening that attracts the attention of the audience. The first minute of your speech is probably the most important. Captivate your audience. This can be achieved in several ways. You could ask a thought-provoking question. Or make an interesting or controversial statement. Or recite a corresponding quote. Awaken your audience and amaze them.

Give your audience a sense of why the subject of your speech is relevant or important to them, prepare the stage and the audience for the main ideas of the upcoming speech.

Deliver a single, clear, identifiable thesis in a way that is as concrete, specific and precise as possible. Give your audience a preview of upcoming ideas. If necessary, tell them how you organize the speech. This makes it easier for your audience to follow.

Once you have attracted and prepared the audience’s attention, your speech can move seamlessly into the body of your speech.

 

 

 

2. Body

 

Communicate a few important points. Organize the point so that related points follow each other so that each point builds on the previous one. This will give your speech a more logical development and make it easier for the audience to listen.

Don’t overwhelm your audience with too many details. It is better to focus on a few points than to have too many points, none of which affect.

 

 

 

3. Conclusion

 

Then find a good conclusion to the speech. The conclusion of your speech must include some of your strongest materials. Speeches and presentations should end with a bang.

Examples:

  • Summarize the key messages of your speech.
  • Provide some further input your audience will think about.
  • End with a final insight.
  • Be emotional.
  • Leave your audience with positive memories of your speech.
  • Repeat your core message.

 

 

 

 

More advanced speech structures?

 

Yes, there are much more effective speech structures for your next speech or presentation. Advanced speech structures help you make a powerful impression on your audience.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered. 

You want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help a performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Let's get into a conversation. Please post any questions that may be interesting for other readers in the comments. If you are interested in coaching or training, for personal questions about that and appointments you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com), phone +49(0)30 864 213 68, and mobile phone +49(0)1577 704 53 56.

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Contact

P.S.

 

How do you structure your speeches and presentations?

Related articles

 

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 8, 2002
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: May 29, 2020
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/drei-punkte-formel/
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