When you listen to a speech, can it help you to focus on the speaker's strengths and weaknesses? By closely observing and listening to people when they give speeches, you can learn a great deal that will make you a more successful speaker. If the speaker is not effective, try to determine why. "If he or she is effective, try to pick out techniques you can use in your own speeches. "If the speaker is ineffective, avoid the errors the person made.