I am told that the one-time Catholic Archbishop of New York says it him takes 10 minutes to write a two-hour speech and two hours to write a 10-minute speech.

While I think he has a point, most research suggests that the content of a speech is much less important than most people think.

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A number of studies, one of which was reported by Corporate Communication Experts, found that the impact of a speech or presentation can be viewed as follows:

Some studies have found body language or non-verbal skills to be even more important. I have not seen a study where content was more than 10%.

The implications of this research are profoundly important:

Critical issues in terms of body language include, an open stance, relevant gesture and animation. It is also important to dress appropriately, get away from that lectern and make eye contact.

It is rare for an audience to take away more than three points from a speech, so limit your points to three at most. This also makes the speech easier to remember and for you to focus on presentation.

Many presenters speak too fast. Slow down.

Speak deliberately and at a pace people can take your words in. Have a conversation with the audience rather than talking at them. Use pause and intonation.

Remember, YOU are the presenter and the presenter is very important. Put your body ahead of your content

Remember also, that all of these and other public speaking skills can be learned. You are not born with them and if you don’t have them now, you can very soon.

Source of core statistics – CORPORATE COMMUNICATION EXPERTS