tl;dr (too long, didnt read):
Before you speak, define your "North Star" - the one thing you want the audience to feel or do. Let that purpose dictate your tone and energy.
Speak with Purpose: Define Your Message Before You Open Your Mouth
Message First: Speaking with Purpose
Before you even think about your opening line, you need to answer one crucial question. What is the purpose of this talk? This isn't just about the topic. It's about the action you want your audience to take or the feeling you want them to have.
Every great speech, every compelling presentation, has a core message that can be summarised in a single, powerful sentence. This is your North Star.
This purpose defines your tone, your pace, and your word choice. If your purpose is to ‘motivate,’ your tone will be energetic. If it's to ‘inform,’ your tone will be measured and clear. Don't just talk. Speak with purpose. When you know your destination, every word becomes a step toward it.
