Kennedy Speech Communications Identifies Speech Performance Criteria

SAN DIEGO, March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- How a speech is delivered can produce a variety of different reactions. Recently, a particular speech, a pre-game speech by a soccer player, received a lot of attention in the sports community. The soccer player, Wayne Rooney, received a fair bit of attention for his speech and was widely credited with inspiring his fellow Manchester United teammates onto victory.

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Cliff Kennedy, a professional Speech Coach and Founder of Kennedy Speech Communications, wasn't surprised that the player's speech performance was a source of inspiration to his teammates. Kennedy identified a set of 10 criteria to help individuals set realistic goals and improve speech performance. 

"There are a variety of reasons people want to improve their public speaking abilities," said Kennedy. "People may want to provide clearer leadership to a team, better engage with customers, or, even take advantage of a moment in the spotlight to advance their career."

Kennedy believes careful assessment, both self-assessment and what's provided by a professional speech coach, is necessary for speakers to change their perspective, change their expectations, and change the results achieved from every speaking opportunity.

According to Kennedy, there are five foundational criteria of public speaking:

1. Knowledge of key public speaking concepts, including how speeches are unique, the definition of a successful speech, and the role of the audience.

2. Writing of meaningful content, which involves clarifying purpose and objectives, organizing messages and supporting data/arguments/stories, and scripting or speaker notes.

3. Proper use of media that makes it meaningful, uses imagery, and aspires to be art.

4. Natural on-stage presence and movement, involving tempo and pace, rhythm and dynamics, and working with teleprompters or confidence monitors.

5. A commitment to continuous improvement that covers a person's responsibility as a speaker, choosing to improve performance, and 5 steps to improved speaking performance.

"Mastery of these criteria is attainable, especially with the help of a speech coach. But, this is only just the beginning," said Kennedy. "Consistently delivering great speeches and presentations requires much, much more. You have to raise your expectations. You have to dig deeper and take bigger chances."

Kennedy's speech performance criteria also cover the next level of success. The next five criteria of public speaking include:

6. Building confidence in beliefs, ideas and messages; in abilities, and in the audience.

7. Striving for clarity of purpose and vision, of messages and conclusions, and efficient use of the right words.

8. Engaging the audience by using empathy and perspective, connecting intellectually and emotionally, and making it a conversation.

9. Creating experiences through being "present" and staying in the moment, using dramatic structure, and speaking in pictures and sounds.

10. Preparing effectively by constructive brainstorming, fearless editing, and focused rehearsal.

"Use of these more advanced criteria provide an opportunity for top-level speech consulting to take place, during which a speech coach helps an individual push boundaries and differentiate themselves by creating unique and meaningful experiences," Kennedy stated. "It's important to remember that all 10 criteria apply to every type of speaking opportunity, from keynote speeches on a big stage to new business presentations in a conference room to speeches in the locker room before the big game."

About Kennedy Speech Communications
Kennedy Speech Communications is led by experienced speech coach, Cliff Kennedy. Their core services include personalized speech coaching for individuals, high-stakes meetings and events, and teams and groups. Their speech consulting services are designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and personal support to perform optimally, connect with the audience, and achieve greater investment with every speaking event.

Media Contact:
Cliff Kennedy
Kennedy Speech Communications
Phone: 800.953.1538
mailto:[email protected]

SOURCE Kennedy Speech Communications