Do . . . Don't . . . Think about who your audience is, what information they already have about your topic, and what questions they may have for you. Don't use technical jargon your audience is unfamiliar with. At the same time, don’t over-explain topics that your audience already understands in-depth. Bring light humour into your speech, such as self-deprecating jokes or gentle sarcasm. Don't make jokes that might offend your audience. Avoid highly sensitive topics (such as religion), and avoid bawdy jokes. Use personal anecdotes to grab your audience’s attention and engage an emotional response. Keep your stories short, and connect them to your thesis statement. Don't share stories that are unrelated to your main idea. Don't narrate your life for too long; keep your stories focused and concise. Read aloud as you write to make sure the words sound natural when spoken aloud. Don't write in a way that feels stiff or unnatural to you. Your speech should sound like a slightly more polished version of the way you would normally talk. Keep your speech as concise as possible to hold your audience’s attention. Don't be afraid to delete large portions of your drafts; it’s okay to write and rewrite in order to make every word of your speech matter.