Communication Skills

Checklists & Templates for Public Speaking




checklists and templates to help you prepare, practice, and deliver outstanding speeches. Use these tools to organize your thoughts, stay confident, and engage your audience effectively.

1. Public Speaking Preparation Checklist

A. Content Preparation

  1. ? Define the Purpose:

  2. What is your goal? (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire).

  3. Know Your Audience:

  4. Who are they? (e.g., background, interests, expectations).

  5. Structure Your Speech:

  6. Introduction: Hook your audience with a question, story, or statistic.
  7. Body: Break it into 2–4 main points with supporting evidence.

  8. Conclusion: Summarize your message and leave a lasting impression.

  9. Craft a Strong Opening:

  10. Start with a captivating line or question.

  11. Prepare Examples/Stories:

  12. Include relatable anecdotes to support your points.

  13. Develop a Call-to-Action (CTA):

  14. What do you want the audience to do after your speech?

B. Visual Aids and Tools

  1. ? Create Visuals:

  2. Use slides sparingly—include key points, images, and charts.

  3. Test Equipment:

  4. Ensure your projector, mic, or clicker is working before the event.

  5. Back-Up Plan:

  6. Bring printed notes, USB copies of slides, or a second device.

C. Practice and Rehearsal

  1. Rehearse Out Loud:

    • Time yourself and adjust for pacing.

  2. Refine Body Language:

    • Practice gestures, posture, and movement.

  3. Get Feedback:

    • Present to a friend or record yourself for self-review.

  4. Memorize Key Parts:

    • Focus on your opening, transitions, and closing.

2. Public Speaking Delivery Checklist

A. Before the Speech

  1. ? Arrive Early:

  2. Familiarize yourself with the stage or room setup.

  3. Test Equipment Again:

  4. Double-check microphones, slides, and clickers.

  5. Greet the Audience:

  6. Establish rapport by smiling and saying hello before starting.

  7. Warm-Up:

  8. Do vocal warm-ups and take deep breaths to relax.

B. During the Speech

  1. ? Start Confidently:

  2. Smile, pause briefly, and begin with a strong opening line.

  3. Maintain Eye Contact:

  4. Look at different sections of the audience to connect with everyone.

  5. Vary Your Voice:

  6. Change pitch, tone, and speed to keep the audience engaged.

  7. Use Body Language:

  8. Gesture naturally, stand tall, and move purposefully.

  9. Engage the Audience:

  10. Ask questions, share stories, or include interactive elements.

  11. Pause for Emphasis:

    • Use pauses to let key points resonate.

  12. Stay Flexible:

    • Adapt if something unexpected happens (e.g., technical issues).

C. After the Speech

  1. Handle Q&A Confidently:

    • Listen carefully, paraphrase the question, and answer clearly.

  2. Thank the Audience:

    • Express gratitude for their attention and time.

  3. Seek Feedback:

    • Ask for constructive comments to improve your next performance.

3. Public Speaking Templates

A. Speech Outline Template

| Section | Content |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Introduction | - Hook: [Start with a question or story].
- Purpose: [State why the topic matters].
- Preview: [Briefly outline main points]. |
| Body | - Point 1: [Main idea].
- Example/Story: [Support with evidence].
- Transition: [Segway to next point]. |
| | - Point 2: [Main idea].
- Example/Story: [Support with evidence].
- Transition: [Segway to next point]. |
| Conclusion | - Recap: [Summarize key points].
- Call-to-Action: [Encourage audience to take specific action].
- Closing Line: [Leave a strong impression]. |

B. Feedback Form Template

| Aspect | Rating (1–5) | Comments |
|--------------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Content Clarity | [Rating] | [Strengths/Weaknesses] |
| Engagement | [Rating] | [Strengths/Weaknesses] |
| Delivery Style | [Rating] | [Strengths/Weaknesses] |
| Visuals and Aids | [Rating] | [Strengths/Weaknesses] |
| Overall Effectiveness | [Rating] | [Strengths/Weaknesses] |

C. Q&A Session Template

| Question | Response |
|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| What was the audience’s first question? | [Answer here]. |
| Did anyone ask about your data or examples? | [Provide clarification]. |
| Were there any tough questions? | [Detail how you addressed them]. |

D. Speech Rehearsal Checklist

| Task | Completed? (Y/N) | Comments |
|--------------------------------------------|----------------------|----------------------------------|
| Practiced with a timer | [ ] | Adjusted pacing as needed. |
| Reviewed key transitions | [ ] | Ensured smooth flow between points. |
| Tested slides and visuals | [ ] | All visuals are clear and relevant. |
| Practiced handling potential interruptions | [ ] | Developed strategies for distractions. |

4. Public Speaking Metrics

  1. Audience Engagement:

  2. Track how many people asked questions, raised hands, or engaged in activities.

  3. Clarity of Message:

  4. Use post-speech surveys to measure audience understanding.

  5. Delivery Effectiveness:

  6. Review feedback on your voice, pace, and body language.

  7. Time Management:

  8. Did you stay within the allotted time?

5. Tools for Public Speaking?

Practice Tools

  • Zoom or Google Meet: Record your rehearsals for self-assessment.
  • VirtualSpeech: Simulate public speaking scenarios in virtual reality.

Slide Design Tools

  • Canva: Create visually appealing slides.
  • PowerPoint or Google Slides: For professional presentation design.

Feedback Platforms

  • Toastmasters International: A supportive space to improve public speaking skills.
  • Mentimeter: Engage your audience with live polls and Q&A sessions.

6. Example Scenario: Keynote Speech Template

Topic: The Future of Artificial Intelligence

  • Opening:

  • "Good evening, everyone. Did you know that by 2030, AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy? Today, I’ll share what that means for you and your industry."

  • Body:

  • "1. AI is transforming industries. For example, healthcare is leveraging AI to detect diseases earlier.

    1. Ethical concerns are growing—how do we ensure fairness and accountability?
    2. To thrive in an AI-driven world, we must focus on lifelong learning and adaptability."

  • Closing:

  • "The future of AI is exciting, but it’s up to us to shape it responsibly. Let’s embrace this journey together."
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