Qualities of a good speech?

I wonder what people here consider to be the qualities of a good speech. I'll start things off by suggesting a few ideas but I'd really like to hear from others what they consider a good speech to be all about. The fact is, we all have to make a speech at some point in our lives.

1. I think the speech should be focused - when a speech is all over the place, I think people get confused and bored.

2. I think there should be balance - even with a serious topic, I think we should try and inject a little humor and the other way around.

3. I think a speech should appeal to the people in the audience specifically and not be just a rehash of something we've done before.

4. I think a speech should respect its audience.

5. I think a good speech should teach something new, be insightful, interesting to listen to and above all not too long!

What's your professional opinion? :)

Greetings!

You have listed some very important qualities of a good speech. I will add a few more:

It has emotional impact: your audience feels something as a result of your words, whether excitement, joy, a twinge of sadness -- if you are inciting an emotion in someone you are connecting with that person.

It is memorable: people will remember what you said if you say it through an anecdote or personal story. Repetition can also be used, albeit judiciously. Different examples to make the same point or arrive at the same conclusion will support your position, provided you don't seem to be just repeating yourself.

It begins with an opening that grabs the audience's attention and ends with a powerful, memorable conclusion.

Thanks for your ideas!

Sarah, EssayForum.com

I'm minoring in organizational communication, and I've always been told that the first sentence you say is what determines the outcome of your entire speech.

If it doesn't grab their attention, some listeners will immediately begin tuning you out.

Try to come up with a first sentence that grabs attention, but don't be ridiculous with it. I've heard some people start off by yelling, which others may find offensive or too assertive.

Also, try to speak in a comfortable tone. A calm, friendly voice will make your audience warm up very quickly.

greatings!

It is agreat idea ot know the qualities of a good speech.

1- I think good speech sould be discussing from the audience.

2- I think good speech let the audience fell or imagine it.

3- the speaker attitude give the audience portary about the quality of speech

Thanks, alashmori. You've pointed out the most essential element of a speech: the audience, because without that, there's no point in making the speech!

Thanks,

Sarah, EssayForum.com