Aim to Be Clear when You Give a Speech

When you plan to give a speech in public, it's always a good idea to consider your public speaking clarity, because clarity in speech is all-important when it's your turn to speak at a conference or seminar. Because you want to aim to be clear when you give a speech. Not least because you have an audience that's attuned to what you say, how you say it and how you emphasise your words.

This important principle was reinforced when we heard the current UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, say in a speech to camera recently:

I state clearly, as Prime Minister of this great country…

and,

So we are clear –

Good. That's good to hear that he intends to be clear to his audience.

Speech Clarity at all Times

However, he should be clear all of the time. Since there really is no time for woolly thoughts, woolly words or woolly thinking in the speeches and utterances of the current UK Prime Minister, let alone any of the other ministers in his majesty's government. And, to be fair, "Let me be clear" is a personal favourite of the Prime Minister.

"Let me be clear" is also popular with other speakers. Is it perhaps a feature of the political speechwriter's guide? We noted Gilad Erdan in his last speech at the United Nations.

Let me be clear

And David Cameron was also fond of the words.

I am very clear. Britain is stronger and safer in the EU, as well as better off.

But perhaps the greatest recent advocate of, "let me be clear", was President Obama. So, is it any surprise that he's copied extensively?

Giving a Conference Speech? Be Clear

Clarity in your speech is all-important because you only have so much time in your speech and you have to use the time available as wisely as possible. You have to make an impact with your audience. And your audience in turn, whilst they might be willing you on, also have only so much energy and commitment to the cause. Yes, they'll hear you, listen to you, understand you and perhaps believe you. But, if you aren't clear, none of these audience reactions will happen.

You are unfair on them when you are unclear. Because your purpose as a speaker is to make it easy for your audience. Make it easy for them to understand what it is you aim to say. Be clear in your speech. Be clear in your diction. And, be clear in the words that you use, so that you don't need to say the words, "let me be clear" as they are unnecessary.

You should aim to be clear all the time from the very first words of your introduction to your audience, to your final peroration. Be clear in what you say and how you say it. And that's the essence of good public speaking clarity.

When you need top public speaking tips, you'll find plenty of tips for every event with Time to Market. And, with more than 100 top tips for speakers and presenters everywhere, there's a tip for every occasion. We hope that's clear…plus, when you're ready to boost your own public speaking skills, then you're always welcome to enroll on an online public speaking course.