Motivational speeches
are speeches that are meant to inspire the speaker’s audience and encourage them to take whatever action the speech talks about no matter what the topic might be. Whether it is being more tolerant of another person’s views or conserving energy, or another view point on a different subject entirely, there are certain elements that should be present in all good motivational speeches. On the flip side of the coin, there are also some things that should never be done or included in motivational speeches:
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Generic or Unclear Content
If someone could take your speech and replace a few words and phrases in it and then turn around and make the same speech on another topic, then you know that your speech was too generic.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Lack of Structure:
Make sure that your speeches have an easy to identify introduction, body, and conclusion just like you would when composing any sort of presentation. Your audience wants to know where your speech is going and if it is going to be worth their time before you’re finished giving it.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Avoiding the Issue Entirely:
Nothing is less inspiring or motivational than motivational speeches that completely avoid or barely skim the surface of the issue that they are supposed to address.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Weak or Non-Existent Plan of Action:
Motivational speeches need to suggest at least one plan of action to the audience that is practical or something they could realistically follow through with.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Too Long / Too Short Speech Time:
Taking too little time or too much time to express your ideas in motivational speeches can result in a flopped speech just because you will lose the opportunity to engage your audience at the right time.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Overly Formal or Stiff Language:
Should your motivational speeches be worded very formally all the time? Not always. The idea is to stick with the type of wording that will allow you to better reach your audience; formal, casual, etc.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Lack of Imagery:
People want to be inspired by descriptive ideas and images; paint a picture in their minds of the good things that will come from taking the actions you suggest in your motivational speeches.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Weak Endings:
Ending strong is one of the best ways to make sure your audience remembers your motivational speeches. A weak ending can leave them with a sense of dissatisfaction which isn’t very motivating at all.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Irrelevant References:
If it’s not related to your speech, don’t use it. If there is a story from your life, the life of a famous person, a quote or popular saying, etc that fits with your ideas and calls to action then go for it, otherwise leave it for next time.
Motivational Speech Don’t #1: Inflammatory Words:
The idea of motivational speeches is to inspire and motivate the audience in a positive way, not to make them angry or cause them to feel uncomfortable or insulted. Carefully review speeches for inflammatory wording before giving your speech.
If you take care to avoid these things when writing or giving your motivational speeches you will have a much better chance of connecting with your audience and delivering a speech which will inspire them to new heights!
