Speaking Skills Goals and Objectives Examples
Increase the clarity of speech.
Improve enunciation to be better understood by audiences.
Increase the use of vocal variety when speaking.
Work on pronunciation to improve word articulation.
Reduce nervousness while speaking.
Increase confidence in public speaking.
Practice maintaining eye contact with audience members.
Work on using gestures and body language to enhance communication.
Increase the use of humor in speeches.
Improve storytelling abilities to make presentations more engaging.
Work on adapting language for different audiences.
Increase the ability to use pauses effectively in speeches.
Improve the ability to think on one's feet during impromptu speaking situations.
Increase the use of rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques.
Work on delivering speeches within allotted time limits.
Increase the ability to use visual aids effectively to support key points.
Work on projecting the voice clearly and effectively.
Improve the ability to summarize complex information for an audience.
Increase the ability to respond thoughtfully to audience questions.
Improve the ability to deliver a clear and concise message.
Work on creating strong openings and conclusions for speeches.
Increase the ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances during a speech.
Improve the ability to stay on topic and avoid drifting off course during a speech.
Increase the ability to convey emotion and passion through the voice.
Work on acknowledging feedback from audiences and improving future performances accordingly.
Increase the ability to engage with audience members and foster interactive discussions.
Improve the ability to use visual aids and props creatively in presentations.
Increase the use of analogies and metaphors to simplify complex ideas for audiences.
Work on adapting pacing, tone, and volume based on audience feedback.
Improve the ability to create memorable speeches that resonate with audiences long after they are delivered.
Increase the use of power poses and confident body language during speeches.
Work on memorizing speeches to increase confidence while delivering them.
Improve the ability to establish credibility with audiences in various settings.
Increase the ability to persuade and influence others with well-crafted arguments.
Work on avoiding monotony and keeping pace varied and interesting throughout a speech.
Improve the ability to remain composed and confident under pressure or scrutiny.
Increase the ability to identify and address biases or misconceptions held by audiences.
Work on catering speeches to specific cultural or social contexts as appropriate.
Improve the ability to connect with diverse audiences from varying backgrounds and cultures.
Increase the use of vivid and descriptive language to engage listeners' imaginations.
Work on utilizing real-life examples and stories to illustrate points in speeches.
Improve the ability to command attention from an audience from the outset of a speech.
Increase the use of active listening practices when interacting with audiences during speeches.
Work on overcoming nervous habits that are distracting or detracting from speeches (e.g., pacing, fidgeting).
Improve the ability to tailor speeches effectively based on individual audience members' needs or interests.
Increase the use of inclusive language that is sensitive to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
Work on self-reflection after each speech performance to identify areas for improvement moving forward.
Improve the ability to communicate technical or specialized knowledge effectively to non-expert audiences.
Increase self-awareness regarding strengths, weaknesses, and challenges when it comes to public speaking skills.
Work on developing rapport with audience members before, during, and after speeches to build trust and engagement.
Improve the ability to overcome distractions, disruptions, or unexpected events that occur during a speech (e.g., technical difficulties).
Increase the use of clear, logical organization in speeches that makes it easy for audiences to follow along and understand key takeaways.
Work on crafting compelling headlines or hooks that grab listeners' attention at the very beginning of a speech.
Improve the ability to make complex concepts accessible and relatable for general audiences without sacrificing accuracy or depth of understanding.
Increase the use of humor, anecdotes, or other creative elements that add personality, levity, or emotional impact to speeches as appropriate.
Work on collaborating with other speakers or performers in group presentations where applicable, cultivating harmonious teamwork dynamics that elevate everyone's contributions.
Improve the ability to anticipate common questions or concerns that may arise among listeners during a speech, responding proactively in advance or through Q&A sessions at the end of a talk.
Increase the use of multimedia elements that add interest or visual appeal to speeches (e.g., images, videos, animations).
Work on networking with other speakers, mentors, coaches, or professional associations in order to learn new strategies, receive feedback, or seek out opportunities for growth and advancement in public speaking skills.
Improve the ability to facilitate workshops, training sessions, or educational programs that require not only speaking skills but instructional design, assessment, or evaluation expertise as well.
Increase the use of rhetorical framing techniques that position oneself as an authority or expert on a given topic (e.g., citing research studies, referencing credentials, invoking historical precedents).
Improve the ability to coach others in public speaking skills as part of leadership development programs, mentoring initiatives, or team building exercises.
Increase awareness of nonverbal cues that can enhance or detract from messages conveyed through spoken words (e.g., facial expressions, posture).
Work on cultivating resilience after setbacks, criticism, or rejection when seeking public speaking opportunities or receiving feedback following a speech performance.
Increase familiarity with different types of speeches (e.g., keynote addresses, panel discussions, TED talks) so as to be able to adapt and specialize in various formats depending on context or purpose.
Work on developing signature styles that set oneself apart from other speakers while still adhering to principles of effective communication.
Improve awareness of cultural sensitivities when communicating across national borders or linguistic barriers.
Increase creativity when it comes to designing or delivering speeches by drawing inspiration from other fields such as art, literature, science, music, etc.
Work on integrating feedback mechanisms into speech delivery systems so as to monitor audience responses live and adapt accordingly.
Increase investment in ongoing education/training related specifically toward public communication skill development.
Work on re-framing fear/anxiety of public speaking into excitement/anticipation/excitement.
Improve awareness of cognitive biases within oneself so as not let them interfere with objective analysis of feedback received following a speech performance.
Increase willingness to seek out constructive criticism from trusted sources in order continuously grow/improve.
Work on recognizing own unique strengths as a speaker while also being open/committed toward addressing areas for improvement.