Solutions
Holding a speech
You, of all people, have to hold a speech. Either because you are
closest to the person celebrating an anniversary or because you are
their direct superior. Or perhaps because you have known them the
longest. Whatever the case, it is no coincidence that you have been
chosen, which is why you should draft your speech yourself. After all,
it will only work well if it suits you.
You can do it! Definitely: there’s no need to worry! In any case, this is not a test that you can fail. It is actually just about saying a few kind words. And every single one of your listeners knows that nobody is perfect.
But don’t treat your task too lightly either: this is a tribute to someone and your speech is part of that tribute. Make an effort – not because you are afraid to make a fool of yourself, but, more importantly, because this is a very special occasion for the person being honoured. He should really feel as if he is getting recognition, and should remember your words fondly for a long time to come. This will only be the case if he can tell that you are not just reeling off a standard speech, so make sure not to hurt anyone’s feelings just to save yourself some work.
Take time for the preparation. That does not mean that you need to spend hours poring over the text; it is just that good ideas do not come out of nowhere – especially when you need them urgently. Instead, brainwaves tend to hit you when you are actually just busy doing something else. So do not leave it until the last minute to start writing your speech.
You can do it! Definitely: there’s no need to worry! In any case, this is not a test that you can fail. It is actually just about saying a few kind words. And every single one of your listeners knows that nobody is perfect.
But don’t treat your task too lightly either: this is a tribute to someone and your speech is part of that tribute. Make an effort – not because you are afraid to make a fool of yourself, but, more importantly, because this is a very special occasion for the person being honoured. He should really feel as if he is getting recognition, and should remember your words fondly for a long time to come. This will only be the case if he can tell that you are not just reeling off a standard speech, so make sure not to hurt anyone’s feelings just to save yourself some work.
Take time for the preparation. That does not mean that you need to spend hours poring over the text; it is just that good ideas do not come out of nowhere – especially when you need them urgently. Instead, brainwaves tend to hit you when you are actually just busy doing something else. So do not leave it until the last minute to start writing your speech.
What?
Your task may come to you more easily if you bear in mind that it is absolutely fine to speak for five minutes at most.
Poems and quotes can liven up a speech, as long as there are not too many – and they have to fit the occasion, have a personal connection and not sound too hackneyed or trite.
Talk about how you feel, but do not just talk about yourself: the celebration is not about you, but about the workmate you are paying tribute to. He or she should be the focus of attention, not you.
What ideas does the topic suggest? What springs to mind when you think of an anniversary, a birthday, a retirement or moving party? What do you know about the person in question? What events can you remember? Have they had any major successes? Any hard or unusual tasks to deal with? Any other highlights? What is particularly characteristic of the person in question?
Anecdotes are memorable and make your speech more personal and interesting, but this is not a time for you to finally get your revenge on your workmate. Fun-poking or sarcasm are just as much out of place as digging up old embarrassing moments, whether they happened at a Christmas do or a customer visit. A few years on, some slip-ups and clangers can be funny – but some are not, and the grass should really be left to grow over them. Neither is it a good idea to spread stories from people’s private lives. It is good if you can make your audience chuckle, but your stories should not embarrass anyone. And your humour should not sound forced: your listeners should enjoy your speech and want to hear more.
How?
First, write down everything that comes to mind. Then sort out and structure your ideas, and cross out anything that comes up twice. Is there perhaps one idea that can be developed into a sort of leitmotiv?
If you have had no practice at all delivering speeches, you need to work on your address. Remember that this is a speech, not an article, and write as you would speak. Sentences should be short and uncomplicated. Your listeners have to be able to follow you: if they do not understand something they cannot read it again. Keep on addressing the key figure – and the rest of the audience – directly and in person.
If you are a seasoned speech-maker then it is often better just to note down key words: it will make your speech more spontaneous.
Use index cards. They are stronger than normal A4 paper, which is an advantage when you hold a speech without a lectern to put your notes on. You also have something to hold if nerves are making your hands shake.
Practice. Hold your speech in front of a private audience – or, if necessary, your pot plants. Whoever you say it to, say it out loud; it is the only way to tell whether some sentences are so complicated that you will stumble over them, and the only way to find out how long the speech really is.
Speak slowly and as naturally as possible – don’t talk in a monotone, but don’t overstress words either. If you lose the thread there is no need to panic: simply stop for a second to think. What may seem like a long gap to you often goes unnoticed by the audience. If you cannot get back on track again straight away, simple say so. People won’t make fun of you: everyone will be pleased when you remember your point – and some might even help you.
Image source: aboutpixel.de © Rainer Sturm
First, write down everything that comes to mind. Then sort out and structure your ideas, and cross out anything that comes up twice. Is there perhaps one idea that can be developed into a sort of leitmotiv?
If you have had no practice at all delivering speeches, you need to work on your address. Remember that this is a speech, not an article, and write as you would speak. Sentences should be short and uncomplicated. Your listeners have to be able to follow you: if they do not understand something they cannot read it again. Keep on addressing the key figure – and the rest of the audience – directly and in person.
If you are a seasoned speech-maker then it is often better just to note down key words: it will make your speech more spontaneous.
Use index cards. They are stronger than normal A4 paper, which is an advantage when you hold a speech without a lectern to put your notes on. You also have something to hold if nerves are making your hands shake.
Practice. Hold your speech in front of a private audience – or, if necessary, your pot plants. Whoever you say it to, say it out loud; it is the only way to tell whether some sentences are so complicated that you will stumble over them, and the only way to find out how long the speech really is.
Speak slowly and as naturally as possible – don’t talk in a monotone, but don’t overstress words either. If you lose the thread there is no need to panic: simply stop for a second to think. What may seem like a long gap to you often goes unnoticed by the audience. If you cannot get back on track again straight away, simple say so. People won’t make fun of you: everyone will be pleased when you remember your point – and some might even help you.
Image source: aboutpixel.de © Rainer Sturm