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How to Structure a Compelling Speech That Grabs Attention and Inspires Action

Dewayne Hill
Apr 8
4 min read

I Used to Wing It — Until I Learned the Power of Structure

Let me be real with you. Early in my career, I used to wing it — like, all the time.

I’d step on stage with a few ideas in my head, thinking my natural energy and quick wit would carry me through. Sometimes it worked. Most of the time? It didn’t.

I’d ramble. I’d skip over my most important points. I’d lose the audience halfway through, and by the time I closed, I wasn’t even sure what message I’d left behind.

I remember walking off stage once thinking, “Did I say anything that actually mattered?” That moment hit hard.

Because if you’ve ever watched people tune out — not because they don’t care, but because you didn’t guide them — you know how defeating that feels.

That’s when I realized: great speeches don’t happen by chance. They’re built with structure.

The Real Problem Isn’t What You’re Saying — It’s How You Organize It

Most people actually have something meaningful to say. They just don’t know how to say it in a way that flows, connects, and sticks.

I’ve seen it time and time again — people start strong, then get lost in their thoughts, over-explain, forget where they were going, or wrap it up awkwardly.

And when that happens, it’s not just the message that suffers — it’s your confidence.

You doubt yourself. You wonder if you’re “just not good at speaking.” You start avoiding opportunities.

But here’s the truth: it’s not about talent. It’s about structure.

Why a Clear Structure Changes Everything

Structure gives you a roadmap. It keeps your thoughts organized and your message focused.

It helps you stay calm under pressure, handle curveballs with ease, and actually enjoy the experience of speaking.

It also helps your audience. When your message is structured, it’s easier for them to follow you, remember what you said, and act on it afterward.

At the end of the day, a structured speech sounds smarter, feels smoother, and makes you look more confident — even if you're nervous inside.

The Proven 3-Part Structure I Use for Every Speech

Every time I write a talk, I use this framework — no matter who I’m speaking to or what the topic is.

The Opening
- Start with a hook (a story, question, or bold statement)
- Set up the promise: What’s in it for them?
The Body
- 2–3 key points, each supported with stories, examples, or data
- Transitions that make it easy to follow
The Closing
- Recap your message
- Leave them with something to feel, remember, or do
- End with intention — not “uh, that’s it…”

Once you learn this formula, it’ll become second nature — and speaking will feel 10x more manageable.

Hooks That Pull People In from the First Word

Your opening is everything.

In the first 30 seconds, people are deciding: “Is this worth listening to?” “Do I trust this person?” “Do I care?”

That’s why your hook has to be more than “Hi, my name is…” You need to open with impact — a story, a question, a surprising fact, or even a moment of silence.

One of my go-to lines? “I wasn’t always fearless. In fact, I once completely froze on stage...”

Just like that, people lean in. They want to hear the rest.

At the Fearless Speaking event, I’ll teach you how to craft your own signature opening that makes people pay attention from the jump.

Organizing the Body of Your Speech for Clarity and Impact

The middle is where a lot of speakers get lost. You have great points, but without order or flow, it becomes a blur.

Here’s what I recommend:

Stick to 3 main points — people remember things in threes
Use transitions to guide them from one point to the next
Mix in data, examples, and personal stories to keep things alive

When you build your speech body with purpose, people stay with you all the way to the end.

Closing Strong: How to Make Your Ending Memorable

The last thing you say should leave them thinking, feeling, or acting.

Don’t fizzle out with “that’s all I got.” Instead, close with something meaningful.

You could:

Loop back to your opening story
Leave them with a quote that resonates
Give a clear action step

I always tell people: your ending is your legacy. Make it count.

My Personal Prep Process for Every Speech

I’m often asked, “Dewayne, how do you prepare for your talks?”

Here’s my personal routine:

I write a simple outline first (not a script)
I practice it out loud to find the natural rhythm
I tweak it for the specific audience I’m serving
I visualize the opening, the close, and key transitions — those are anchor points