Top Ways Esl Students Can Prepare For Impressive English Speech

Preparation is key to giving an English presentation that will leave your audience absolutely impressed. As a non-native speaker, however, you feel that you lack the skills to persuade your audience. Do not doubt. Here are the top three effective ways by which you can prepare for a successful speech.

1. Organize Your Ideas

First, brood over your topic thoroughly.

If you are discussing a concept, then you may answer these questions: What is your main topic? What are the subtopics that will support your main topic? Are there any sub-subtopics? How do you explain each in detail?

If you are narrating a story, then you must know the “who, what, where, when, how and why”. You can narrate your story in a chronological order. You can mention the most important points first and the least important point last.

Second, organize your thoughts.

Jot down all your thoughts in a piece of paper. Structure your answers. Arrange them according to how they should be presented. Make sure that you have all the information that you will need.

2. Practice

Self-practice or observing yourself in a mirror is not the most effective way of preparing for a speech. A mirror cannot tell you what is wrong with your speaking style. Also, you cannot criticize yourself objectively.

Instead, sit down with a friend or family member. Present your topic as you have structured it. Tell him that you would welcome comments constructively. Take note of his reactions and consider them as you revise your speech.

Practicing with humans can give you useful clues about the possible reactions, questions and interpretations of your future audience.

3. Learn, Do NOT Memorize

How can you become like a professional English speaker? Never memorize your speech word for word. Memorizing will result in the following disasters:

First, you will forget a word or two. You will be at a lost on what to say next. There will be an obvious dead-air during your presentation. Your audience will pay heed on these interruptions. You will feel self-conscious.

Second, you will deliver your oral presentation in a mechanical manner. Your words will be cold and your actions stiff. Your speech will come from memories and not your heart.
Third, your speech will be dry and limited. By memorizing what to say, you will be limiting yourself only to the restricted words you have memorized.

Fourth, you will not be able to establish a connection between yourself and your audience. You will not be able to observe the reactions of your audience.

Preparing for a speech in English can be overwhelming. Help yourself by finding more proven tips for speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Now you can be ready to talk and make a good impression on your audience.

By: Kerlyn B.

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Kerlyn B. is committed to helping other non-native English speakers learn English as a second language (ESL) quickly, easily, and effectively. She gives valuable English tips and free lessons that most ESL teachers do not share with their students. Visit www.greatenglish100.com/ to know more about her works.