The Ultimate Public Speaking Checklist: Be Prepared for Anything

Public speaking is one of the most common and important skills that you need to succeed in any field. Whether you are giving a presentation, a speech, a pitch, or a toast, you want to deliver your message with confidence, clarity, and impact. However, public speaking can also be nerve-wracking, especially if you are not well-prepared or face unexpected challenges.

That’s why you need a public speaking checklist, a set of steps and tips that will help you plan, practice, and perform your speech effectively. A public speaking checklist will ensure that you don’t miss any crucial details, avoid any potential pitfalls, and handle any surprises with ease.

Here is the ultimate public speaking checklist that you can use to be prepared for anything:

Before the Speech

Know your purpose: What is the main goal of your speech? What do you want your audience to think, feel, or do after listening to you? Define your purpose clearly and concisely, and use it to guide your content and delivery.
Know your audience: Who are you speaking to? What are their needs, interests, expectations, and preferences? How can you relate to them, persuade them, or inspire them? Research your audience as much as possible, and tailor your speech accordingly.
Know your topic: What are you speaking about? What are the key points, facts, arguments, or stories that you want to share? How can you make your topic relevant, interesting, and memorable? Gather and organize your information, and use credible sources to support your claims.
Know your venue: Where are you speaking? What is the size, layout, and atmosphere of the room? What are the technical equipment, facilities, and resources available? How can you optimize your visual aids, audio, and lighting? Visit the venue beforehand, or ask for photos, videos, or diagrams, and familiarize yourself with the environment.
Outline your speech: How will you structure your speech? What will you say in the introduction, the body, and the conclusion? How will you transition between the sections and the points? How will you capture the attention, interest, and emotion of your audience? Write down your main ideas, and use a clear and logical outline to organize your speech.
Draft your speech: How will you express your ideas in words? What language, tone, and style will you use? How will you balance your logic, credibility, and emotion? How will you use rhetorical devices, such as metaphors, analogies, questions, or humor? Write down your speech, and use simple, clear, and powerful language to convey your message.
Practice your speech: How will you deliver your speech? What will you do with your voice, body, and eye contact? How will you use pauses, gestures, and facial expressions? How will you cope with your nerves, mistakes, or interruptions? Practice your speech aloud, and use a mirror, a recorder, or a friend to give you feedback.

During the Speech

Arrive early: When will you arrive at the venue? How much time will you need to set up, check, and test your equipment, materials, and props? How will you greet, mingle, and network with your audience, hosts, or organizers? Arrive at least 30 minutes before your speech, and use the time to prepare, relax, and connect.
Dress appropriately: What will you wear for your speech? What are the dress code, the norms, and the expectations of your audience, event, or occasion? How will you balance your comfort, confidence, and professionalism? Dress according to your audience, context, and purpose, and use your attire to enhance your image and credibility.
Start strong: How will you begin your speech? How will you introduce yourself, your topic, and your purpose? How will you grab the attention, curiosity, and trust of your audience? How will you establish rapport, relevance, and value? Start your speech with a powerful opening, such as a statistic, a quote, a story, or a question, and make a positive first impression.
Speak clearly: How will you speak your words? How will you use your volume, pitch, pace, and tone? How will you articulate, enunciate, and pronounce your words? How will you avoid filler words, jargon, or slang? Speak your words clearly, and use your voice to express your meaning and emotion.
Engage your audience: How will you interact with your audience? How will you maintain eye contact, smile, and nod? How will you ask questions, solicit feedback, or invite participation? How will you handle comments, questions, or objections? Engage your audience, and use your body language to communicate your confidence and enthusiasm.
End strong: How will you end your speech? How will you summarize your main points, restate your purpose, and reinforce your message? How will you motivate, persuade, or inspire your audience to take action, change their mind, or remember your words? How will you thank your audience, hosts, or organizers? End your speech with a powerful closing, such as a call to action, a recommendation, a challenge, or a quote, and make a lasting impression.

After the Speech

Evaluate your speech: How did you do? What went well, and what can be improved? How did your audience react, and what feedback did they give you? How did you feel, and what did you learn? Evaluate your speech, and use your experience, results, and feedback to improve your future speeches.
Follow up: What will you do after your speech? How will you thank your audience, hosts, or organizers? How will you share your slides, notes, or resources? How will you stay in touch, build relationships, or create opportunities? Follow up with your audience, and use your speech as a way to grow your network, reputation, and influence.

At Iccomipe, we’ve helped countless individuals like you overcome their fears and develop the skills to become confident, persuasive speakers. Here’s what you can achieve with my personalized coaching:

Conquer stage fright and nervous habits: Learn effective techniques to manage anxiety and deliver your message with poise.
Craft compelling and persuasive messages: Master the art of storytelling, structure, and audience engagement.
Develop a powerful and authentic voice: Find your unique communication style and project confidence with clarity.
Connect with your audience and win them over: Learn to use nonverbal and verbal cues, language, and storytelling to move hearts and minds.
Achieve your specific goals: Whether it’s landing your dream job, leading impactful meetings, or inspiring others, I’ll tailor your training to get you there.

Our Approach:

Personalized coaching: we assess your individual needs and challenges to design a training program that fits you perfectly.
Evidence-based methods: we use proven techniques and strategies that have helped hundreds of people overcome public speaking and presenting hurdles.
Supportive and encouraging environment: we provide a safe space for you to practice, experiment, and grow your confidence.
Actionable steps and feedback: You’ll walk away with concrete skills and exercises to put into practice immediately.

Ready to transform your public speaking and presenting skills and unlock your full potential? Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.

Conclusion

This is the ultimate public speaking checklist that you can use to be prepared for anything. By following these steps and tips, you will be able to plan, practice, and perform your speech effectively and confidently. Remember, public speaking is a skill that you can learn, master, and enjoy with time and effort.