Words are powerful.
They have the ability to heal and hurt … build up or break down … start fights and stop wars.
A wise man once said
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …”
And it was Mark Twain who said …
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”
If Twain was right, can you imagine what the difference is between the right word and the wrong word?!
When you’re preparing a speech, how do you know which words are the “right” ones to use?
Here are four questions you can ask to determine which words are the right words to use in your speech.
1. Is the tone informal or formal?
Most speeches should be written using an informal tone. Speeches that use an informal tone are conversational in nature. Bud don’t be fooled … not all speeches are meant to be conversational.
There are times when it’s more appropriate to deliver a message from “the institution” and not “the individual”.
A message from the individual would say:
“After reviewing the proposals, we decided to go with plan A.”
A message from the institution would say:
“After reviewing the proposals, it was decided that plan A would be used.”
If you’ve ever played the game of corporate politics, you know that sometimes it’s more prudent to use the formal tone.
2. What words resonate with your audience?
Word on the street is that you should always avoid using jargon in your speeches. This is often true, but not always. If you have a mixed audience that doesn’t understand the technical terminology or buzz words of your industry, then it’s best to use plain language. But if your audience is well versed in the jargon of your industry, they’ll salivate when properly placed acronyms and technical terms are tossed around.
This is not to say you should go overboard with the jargon, but “advanced” audiences will often hold you in higher regard when you can speak their language.
3. What does the audience think about the topic of your speech?
Sometimes you will be preaching to the choir. At other times you will be trying to convert non-believers. Each audience will require a different approach.
When an audience agrees with your point of view, you can front load your statements with words such as “clearly”, “obviously” or “without a doubt”.
If your audience holds a different point of view, you would be better off using softeners such as “more often than not”, “speaking in general” or “there are exceptions to this rule …”. The softeners will allow you to approach sensitive topics in such a way that the audience will more likely hear you out before tuning you out.
4. What is the intended effect of your words?
Do you want to paint word pictures? Reference a popular speech or speaker of the past? Evoke an emotional response from your audience? When you have a clear understanding of what you want your words to do, you will have greater success choosing the right words for your speech.
For example, in 1961, when Newton Minow spoke to the National Association of Broadcasters, he gave them a clear picture of what he thought of their programming. He said:
“Keep your eyes glued to that set until the station signs off. I can assure you that what you will observe is a vast wasteland.”
Even if a picture does say 1000 words, you don’t need that many to paint a vivid picture. You just need the right words.
When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the “I have a dream” speech, he used the words “five score years ago”. Why? Because he wanted to invoke the presence of the great emancipator, Abraham Lincoln, who began the Gettysburg Address with the famous line “four score and seven years ago“.
Once Lincoln’s presence had been felt, King immediately switched to and repeated the phrase “100 years later“. He only needed to use the right words once to achieve his desired effect.
Words are powerful.
When you know how to choose the right words for your speeches, there’s a good chance you will be able to predict when lightning will strike.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
choosing the right words to go along with your presentation is crucial. this is the only thing that binds the speaker and his listeners. words send out pictures for his listeners to imagine.
great post, thanks.