Vincent Ivan Phipps
Contributing Writer
Communication Coach, Author, and Business Owner

Over half of the population of the United States is more comfortable talking in smaller, more intimate groups than in front of larger crowds. In corporate America, most likely you will be called upon at some point to deliver a speech in front of a group of people. You might have to give a presentation to a group of people whom you do not know. For most of us, even small, familiar audiences can make us nervous. Whether your speech is impromptu or thoroughly planned, make sure you have a main purpose.

Determining your main purpose can make your speech easier for the listener to follow and easier for you to deliver. A speech that is easier to deliver allows you to sleep a lot better the night before, and be more confident the next morning!  If you experience tension or nervousness during your speech, think of something enjoyable and sweet, such as pie. Not the pie that you eat, but the acronym, P.I.E. P =Persuade; I= Inform; E =Engage. Almost every speech will fall into one of these areas, or a combination of them. Let’s look at each one in more detail.

Persuade

Trying to get your audience to agree with your point-of-view or to change their current opinion. Examples of persuasive speeches are:

•    Demonstrating how your new idea is better than an old one

•    Convincing upper management of the need for a purchase

•    Interviewing for a new position or promotion

Inform

Sharing information. You have no stake in what the audience believes or will agree to, you are just delivering data. Some examples include:

Providing a status update for organizational goals

•    Giving a progress report to a company

•    Announcing department goals for the year

Engage

Establishing an emotional connection with your audience.

•    Giving a motivational speech

•    Being an after dinner or luncheon speaker

•    Toasting to a special occasion

Remember that knowing and stating your purpose helps you and the listeners. Before you dread your next speech, think about what you want to accomplish. Use relevant examples and stick to the purpose to make delivering your speech as easy as P.I.E.!