Write Good Speech Titles

Sometimes, selecting good speech titles is very important. Sometimes, a speech needs no title at all. It is only when a title has an opportunity to contribute to the speaking situation, that the speaker should spend time and effort in creating it.

The times when a title is important are:

• when the speech is to be given publicity
• when there is to be a printed program
• when there will someone introducting the speaker

If the speech is to be given publicly then the title of your speech, if carefully chosen, may bring some people to hear you who otherwise would not come.

If you are being introduced by someone, of course, they should be able to tell the audience the subject of your speech, and announcing the title is one of the best ways of doing this. A good title may also supplement your introduction by gaining audience interest.

Since titles are important in certain situations, let us look at some of the qualities a good title should have.

First, the title should indicate the subject of your speech but not reveal it entirely. People are intrigued by suggestions that leave something to their imaginations. The title, however, should not lead the audience to believe you will speak on one subject when you plan to give a talk on another.

Second, the title should be brief and eye-catching. Titles that can be read at a glance are much more effective than long ones. It is safe to say that the longer the title, the fewer people will read it. Long speech titles defeat the very purpose for which they are intended.

Third, speech titles should be original, if possible. Overworked titles are unattractive and will defeat the purpose for which one is selected.

Titles may take many forms. Variations include a quotation, a question, a paradoxical statement, or a shocking statement. Whatever speech title you pick, it must serve the purpose of attracting attention to your presentation.

If there will be no opportunity to use a title, or to have it announced, don't waste time developing one. To recite the title of a speech is a most unattractive way to begin.

Here are some examples of effective titles:

• Run, Don't Walk, to the Nearest Exit (for a speech on the need for atomic energy control)
• The Ominous Cloud (for a speech on Russian foreign policy)
• I Stutter (for a speech on stuttering and how it can be controlled)
• That's Why the Lady Is a (for a speech on a female tennis Champ star)
  

Although probably not the most important part of a speech, speech titles can have an impact on your audience.