What should a speaker prioritize when preparing a speech?

Prioritizing the clarity of the message is essential for effective communication in public speaking. A clear message ensures that the audience understands the key points being conveyed. Clarity helps to eliminate confusion and retains the audience's attention. When the speaker articulates their ideas clearly, it enhances comprehension and ensures that the audience can follow the logic and flow of the speech. By focusing on clarity, speakers also make their content more memorable and impactful.

Focusing on impressing the audience, while it may seem beneficial, can lead to the inclusion of jargon, complex ideas, or extravagant language that can detract from understanding. Personal anecdotes can be valuable when used appropriately, but avoiding them entirely does not inherently contribute to a clearer message. Lastly, striving for complexity over simplicity can lead to convoluted explanations that may confuse the audience rather than engage them. Overall, clarity should be at the forefront of a speaker’s preparation to ensure effective communication.