Technology

In the past, surveys have shown that people fear public speaking more than they fear death! Have you ever felt the feeling of butterflies-in-the stomach? Not to worry, for even the most experienced of speakers feel this way sometimes.

For many, the hardest part is getting started. With so many choices, which topic should you choose for a speech? This can be stressful. But it doesn't need to be this way! Here are some useful tips:

Choose a topic that interests you, and is relevant to people. When you choose an informative topic that has a perceived benefit for people, you will capture your audience's attention as consider how to apply what they're hearing to their own lives.

Choose a topic you are enthusiastic about. Whether it's an emerging or popular technology like GPS or an influential person in history that is especially meaningful to you, a topic that excites you will naturally improve your ability to convey excitement to your audience, which can be contagious. More sample topics along with other guides can be found at the excellent resource found at Informative Speech Topics.

Choose a topic that you have some prior knowledge about. If this doesn't work, choose a topic that you are motivated to investigate. The more naturally inclined you are to learn about the topic, the more enthusiasm will naturally flow from your lips and your body language. Often times, your energy and attitude will be more memorable (in the long-term) for your audience than the words that you say.

However, having enthusiasm and choosing a topic that is interesting to you is not enough. It's also important to ensure that the topic of your choice is appropriate for the situation and venue, and more importantly, that it is a good match for your audience's interests and desires. Consider your audience's expertise, what they already know, and what they don't know and might find useful or practical. Avoid staying too general -- your topic needs to be specific enough to have any impact. Rather than a speech on "Electronics: All About Them" that is too broad, a better, more focused topic would be "Global Positioning Systems (GPS): What Are They and Are They Worth the Cost?" You only have a limited amount of time to give your speech, and so you can't cover everything. Identify a specific, targeted purpose and stick with it. Don't ramble. Like the old mantra says, K.I.S.S. -- Keep it Simple, Stupid. (or, Keep it Simple, Speech!)

Follow these basic guidelines and you're on your way to having a relevant, interesting, useful speech that will capture your audience's attention! For more tips and lists of specific topics to help you brainstorm, visit Informative Speech Topics.info.
About the Author

Robert E. Colston is an acclaimed Speech Consultant. He is an author and contributor to many websites including InformativeSpeechTopics.info.