Great speeches don’t just inform — they inspire, persuade and move audiences to action. Whether you're addressing a classroom, a boardroom or a crowd, the ability to craft and deliver a compelling message is a skill that opens doors. From understanding your audience to mastering the rhythm of your message, Â鶹ĘÓƵ Instructor Laura Yolo breaks down the essential elements that transform words into impact in this installment of “Ask the Expert.”
Yolo, who teaches in the Communications Department, began her educational journey at YVC at the age of 18 while pursuing her GED. Although life circumstances interrupted her studies, she never lost hope of earning a college degree. In 2009, she returned to YVC and completed an associate in arts degree, serving as the college’s 2011 Student Commencement Speaker. Yolo went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Central Washington University and a master’s degree in communications and leadership from Gonzaga University. Before joining the YVC faculty, she served as the Upward Bound program coordinator and as manager of Student Life, where she championed student-centered initiatives such as the college’s food pantry, diversity welcome center and the redesign of the Hopf Union Building (HUB) student space.
Read further for Yolo’s insights on how individuals can make a lasting and meaningful impact when delivering a speech.
What’s the first thing you consider when preparing a speech for an audience?
Who’s in your audience. Audience awareness is important for preparing for any type
of speech. Anytime you are giving a speech you must consider who is in the audience.
A single topic can be adapted for different groups — for example, a message shared
with community college students can also be presented to kindergarteners, as long
as the language and examples are tailored to suit each audience’s level of understanding.
How do you define a “powerful” speech in today’s fast-paced, digital world?
I define a powerful speech the same way today as I would’ve defined a powerful speech
thousands of years ago. A powerful speech is one that keeps the audience engaged and
conveys the message in a meaningful way.
What role does storytelling play in speechwriting, especially in an educational setting?
In my experience, the speeches or presentations that resonate most deeply are the
ones that include personal or relatable stories. Messages tend to have the greatest
impact when a speaker can genuinely connect with the audience, and storytelling is
one of the most effective ways to build that connection. A well-told story allows
listeners to visualize a moment or concept, making the message more personal and easier
to relate to. Even in an informational speech, weaving in a short story can make the
content feel more real and memorable for your audience.
TOP: Laura Yolo lectures during class on YVC's Grandview Campus. ABOVE: Yolo, left, talks with students during final presentations during a Introduction to Communications (CMST&101) class.
Can you walk us through the key elements of a well-structured speech that you recommend
to your students?
A well-structured speech begins with a strong introduction that grabs your audience’s
attention. From the start, it’s important to clearly state your main idea or topic
so listeners know what to expect and can easily follow your train of thought. Organization
is key — your points should build logically and support your message. Speaking in
a conversational tone, with a touch of humor, helps keep your audience engaged and
interested. As you close, be sure to summarize your key points and end with a powerful,
memorable statement that reinforces your message. A strong conclusion guarantees your
audience walks away with something important from your speech.
How do you tailor your message for diverse audiences, including first-generation students
or adult learners?
When preparing a speech, audience awareness is essential. Tailoring your message to
fit the needs and perspectives of your listeners helps ensure your words resonate.
In an educational setting like Â鶹ĘÓƵ, it’s important to consider the
diversity of your audience — including differences in age, experience, cultural background
and language. Not everyone shares the same values or beliefs, so it is crucial to
be mindful of your own biases and craft a message that is inclusive and respectful
of those differences. By considering and embracing this diversity, your speech becomes
more meaningful and impactful.
My first experience delivering a speech to a diverse audience was in 2011, when I served as the student commencement speaker for YVC’s graduating class. I had to consider the perspectives of fellow graduates, faculty, staff and the broader community to ensure my story connected with everyone in the room.
What are some common mistakes speakers make — and how can they avoid them?
The most common public speaking mistakes are very simple and easily avoidable with
practice. These include using filler words like “um,” “like” and “you know,” speaking
too quickly, relying too heavily on speaker notes instead of engaging with the audience
and fidgeting. The key to overcoming these habits is awareness and consistent practice.
The more you rehearse, the more confident and polished your delivery will become.
How important is body language and vocal tone in delivering a message effectively?
As a general rule, an audience or a classroom is more likely to remember how they
felt during your speech than what you said. How you make them feel can significantly
influence how much of your message they retain. If your body language is closed off
or your speech isn’t clear, you may come across as nervous or uncomfortable, which
can make your audience feel the same way. Having confident body language and a clear,
steady tone help put your audience at ease, allowing them to focus on the message
you are delivering.
Laura Yolo, left and students listen to a speech in May 2025.
What’s your advice for someone who’s nervous about public speaking?
What I tell my students who are nervous is simple: it’s completely normal. In fact,
public speaking is one of the most common fears people face. The good news is, you
can still deliver an effective speech — even while feeling nervous — by preparing
well and using a few helpful strategies.
Start by practicing in front of people you trust or seek support from YVC’s Speech and Language Center or your instructor. Preparation builds confidence. Before your speech, try calming techniques like deep breathing or short bursts of physical activity — 30 seconds of jumping jacks, wall pushes or even a quick walk around the building can help reduce adrenaline and settle your nerves.
Most importantly, think of your speech as a conversation, not a performance. You’re not an actor memorizing lines — you’re someone with a message to share. Speak naturally and connect with your audience. One practical tip I give students is to look at the audience’s hairlines instead of making direct eye contact. It helps reduce anxiety while still appearing engaged.
What’s one speech or speaker that has inspired your own communication style?
One of the best examples I share with students is the . Adichie, a novelist and storyteller, delivers a powerful message about the risks
of viewing people or cultures through a single narrative. I first watched this talk
as a student at Â鶹ĘÓƵ, and it left a lasting impression. Her central
point — that relying on only one story gives us a biased and narrow view of the world
— serves as a reminder that everyone has their own unique experiences.
As speakers, we don’t always know the stories of those in our audience, or how our words might resonate with them. That’s why it’s important to approach storytelling with empathy and openness. I also appreciate the conversational tone Adichie uses in her delivery. Even though the talk is 15 years old, it remains engaging and relevant, and I continue to use it as an example in my classes each quarter.
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Matt Barton, graphic designer/multimedia content producer.