Monotone is definitely out when presenting a speech. Your voice is a valuable tool in getting the attention of the audience and keeping it. Raising your voice can show excitement or passion. Lowering your voice can bring a point home, especially if you pause after making your point. Mimicking a character can add to a comedic story. Use your voice to express a wide range of emotion.
Beware of the dreaded ums and ahs! Nothing can ruin a good speech more quickly than having it interspersed with more than the occasional ums and ahs. Endless ands and sos as fillers tend to clutter your speech as well and make your decisive points less decisive. Several practice runs of your talk should help take care of these dreaded insertions. You may want to video these practices to fine tune your speech.
Also, be sure to use words your audience will understand. Public speaking is not a time to show off the big words you know, it’s an opportunity to communicate effectively with your audience. In order to do this, you need to speak to them on their level. Why use the word "gargantuan" when "huge" will suffice?
Body Language
Like your voice, your facial expressions help to enhance your speech. A bright smile warms your audience. A sad expression tugs at their heartstrings. Unique facial contortions can draw laughter when used in conjunction with humor.
Your stance is important as well. There are times when you’ll want to move around on the stage. At other times, you’ll stand still. Make sure when you do, your stance conveys a measure of confidence. Above all, make sure you appear natural and unrehearsed.
Additionally, gestures make a difference. Think of speakers you’ve heard in the past. Are any vivid in your memory? How interesting is a speech where the speaker keeps his hands clasped throughout most of his oration. Not very. Now think of an animated speaker who used gestures to show how BIG something was or how small.
“The giant was TEN FEET TALL!” he yells, eyebrows raised in amazement, jumping up to reach to the giant’s height.
Now that’s a scene you won’t soon forget! Gesticulations and facial expressions can make your speech memorable. Matching your gestures to your words creates impact with your audience.