What should a speaker aim for when delivering a speech?

When delivering a speech, a speaker should aim to establish a connection with the audience. This connection is crucial because effective communication goes beyond merely presenting information; it involves engaging the audience and making them feel involved in the topic being discussed. A strong connection can enhance the effectiveness of the message, ensuring that the audience not only understands the content but also relates to it on a personal level, which can lead to greater retention and impact.

Establishing this rapport can be achieved through various techniques such as eye contact, appropriate body language, vocal variety, and by addressing the audience's interests and concerns. When the audience feels that the speaker understands their perspective, they are more likely to be attentive, receptive, and engaged.

In contrast, memorizing every word perfectly can lead to a mechanical delivery that may hinder authentic interaction. Discouraging audience questions creates a barrier between the speaker and the audience, making it harder to foster a collaborative dialogue. Simply reading from slides also detracts from the personal connection, as it often results in disengagement and makes the audience feel like passive recipients rather than active participants in the speech. Therefore, focusing on connection is essential for impactful public speaking.