Improving public speaking with AI
Using ChatGPT to draft speeches and maximise delivery
Part of my job is helping with preparation for public speeches.
I mostly work on drafting the content, but being surrounded with conference speakers has also taught me a lot about a proper speech delivery.
One thing I've learned? Being prepared is the key.
It’s not just about having great ideas, it’s about knowing how to share them in a way that connects with your audience. If you're not prepared, it will show.
Lately, I’ve been using ChatGPT to help draft speeches, and it’s been a game changer.
It makes organising thoughts and writing outlines way easier, so why not take advantage of it?
What to consider when preparing a presentation?
When preparing the content of a presentation I found it useful to have a few aspects always in mind:
Audience relevance – you should create a message that will directly speak to the specific interests and knowledge level of your audience.
Clear structure – keep the flow logical and remember to include a strong opening, all of your main ideas and a memorable conclusion.
Brevity – keep it to the point and avoiding unnecessary details while explaining the key points.
Engaging content – include personal stories, real life examples or surprising data to support your arguments and maintain the audience interest.
Visual aids – slides that complement your message without overwhelming it.
Well- prepared content is the basis of the good speech, but the way you deliver it matters just as much.
First off, be yourself. People don’t want to hear a stiff, robotic speech. Let your natural voice and personality come through in your delivery. It’ll make you more relatable and help you connect with the audience.
Practice speech multiple times to feel comfortable with it and ensure you fit within the given timeframe.
Pay attention to your body language and maintain consistent eye contact with your audience. Use pauses strategically to emphasize key points during your presentation.
Finally, rehearse in front of someone you trust and gather their feedback for improvement.
ChatGPT prompt for drafting a public speech on any topic
It’s hard to start a speech outline from a scratch.
I save my time and use ChatGPT to outline the content for my presentation and then I just add all the details I need.
Copy paste input:
Write a public speech outline for a presentation about: (here put your topic)
The presentation should last: (here give a wanted timeframe)
Remember about the speakers introduction and the q and a at the end of the talk.
Keep it well-structured and clear. Leave room for adding some details manually.
I chose cloning as the topic since I recently came across an interesting article on it, and here’s what I developed for a 30-minute speech outline:
Introduction (3 minutes)
Self-Introduction:
Briefly introduce yourself and your background (related to biotechnology, ethics, or science).
Establish rapport with the audience, and explain why this topic is important today.
Presentation Overview:
Introduce the topic of cloning, defining what cloning is in simple terms.
Mention the two key areas you'll cover:
A brief history of cloning.
The moral dilemmas it presents.
Cloning: A Short History (10 minutes)
Ancient Concepts of Cloning:
Early myths and stories that touch on the idea of "replicating life" (Greek mythology, religious texts).
Scientific Beginnings:
19th Century: Explain the first scientific experiments in cell reproduction.
1950s: Landmark discovery of DNA structure by Watson and Crick, laying the groundwork for genetic science.
Major Milestones in Cloning:
1960s: John Gurdon’s work on frog cloning.
1970s: Advancements in gene cloning and recombinant DNA technology.
1996: Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, by Ian Wilmut and his team.
Highlight the significance of Dolly’s cloning and its implications for science.
Current State of Cloning Technology:
Animal cloning today (livestock, endangered species).
Progress in therapeutic cloning (stem cell research).
Moral Dilemmas Surrounding Cloning (12 minutes)
Animal Cloning Ethics:
Discuss concerns about the welfare of cloned animals (high failure rates, deformities, and suffering).
Is cloning animals morally justified for agriculture or conservation?
Human Cloning:
Reproductive Cloning:
Ethical concerns about creating human clones.
Fears of exploitation, loss of individuality, and societal disruption.
What rights would a clone have? Should it be treated as an individual human being?
Therapeutic Cloning:
Focus on the ethical balance between potential medical breakthroughs (e.g., stem cells for regenerative medicine) and concerns about "playing God" or creating human life purely for experimentation.
Religious and Cultural Perspectives:
Brief overview of various religious views (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) on cloning.
How different cultures view cloning (Western vs. Eastern perspectives).
Legal and Social Implications:
Overview of current global laws on cloning (bans, regulations, and lack of global consensus).
How should society regulate cloning? Who should have access to cloning technologies?
The Future of Cloning (3 minutes)
Potential Benefits:
Advances in medicine, including organ regeneration and genetic disease treatments.
Conservation of endangered species through cloning.
Risks and Uncertainties:
Ethical concerns about genetic manipulation.
Potential social divides due to unequal access to cloning technologies.
Call to Action:
Emphasize the importance of public discussion, regulation, and ethical considerations as cloning technology advances.
Q&A (10 minutes)
Invite the audience to ask questions.
Be prepared for ethical or scientific inquiries and discussions.
Conclusion (2 minutes)
Summary:
Recap key points: cloning’s scientific history, ethical dilemmas, and future potential.
Closing Statement:
Thank the audience for their time and interest.
End with a thought-provoking quote or question, encouraging them to continue reflecting on the topic.
Now I just simply add any needed details from my knowledge to the outline and adjust it according to my preference. I save time, but still keep it personal and have the control over its final form and the delivery.
Conclusions
Effective public speaking requires a combination of well-prepared content and engaging delivery.
If you understand your audience, structure the message clearly, and include your personal experiences in the presentation, you can create a strong connection with listeners.
ChatGPT can simplify the drafting process, saving time while allowing for a personal touch.
As you practice and refine your delivery, remember to embrace feedback and stay true to yourself.
Let’s start delivering impactful speeches from now on!
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