Public Speaking Tips

Delivery Skills The Body in Delivery It is important to scan the room and make eye contact with individuals in the class. Smiling is an effective way to build rapport with the audience. Gesturing helps to clarify and convey our meanings. Move around the room (if possible) and maintain good posture. Dress appropriately for the occasion and avoid playing with objects. The Voice in Delivery The use of vocal variety is important. Dont speak too quickly or too slowly. Vary your pitch to avoid sounding monotone. Keep the volume somewhat louder than a normal conversation. Avoid using um, you know, like, etc.

Developing the Introduction There are four objectives you need to accomplish: 1. Get the audiences attention (choose ONE of the following): Relate the topic directly to the audience (ex: story) State the importance of the topic Startle the audience (ex: intriguing statement) Question the audience (ex: rhetorical question) Begin with a quotation Tell a story Invite audience participation

Created by Lauren Winslow, Manager

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Use audio/video or visual aids 2. Reveal the topic State the topic clearly and concisely Identify what you want to accomplish 3. Establish credibility and goodwill as a speaker Appear knowledgeable about topic Make a credibility statement Ask that the audience consider your position when speaking about something controversial 4. Preview body of the speech Define topic and preview main points oUsually at the end of the introduction Developing the Body The body presents the main points intended to fulfill the speech purpose with their underlying, supporting points arranged similarly. Main points are the key ideas or major themes of the speech supported by facts and grounded in sound reasoning that provide statements or claims to prove the thesis o Guidelines for Main Points: Identify central ideas and main themes of the speech 2-5 main points is recommended Main points should only introduce one idea or topic All main points should be similar in grammatical form and style Supporting points are the evidence and verbal support presented to justify the main points and lead the audience to accept the speech purpose Well-organized speeches are characterized by unity, coherence, and balance Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that tie together the speech ideas and enable the speaker to move smoothly from one point to the next

Created by Lauren Winslow, Manager

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o Are usually posed in restate-forecast form o Can also be stated as rhetorical questions Developing the Conclusion Signal the ending of the speech o Say In conclusion, In closing, Let me close by saying Summarize the main points and goals of the speech o Restate main points Challenge the audience o Challenge listeners to use what theyve learned in informative speeches o Present a call to action in persuasive speeches Present a memorable closure o Quotations o Stories o Rhetorical questions Keep it brief and practice!

Created by Lauren Winslow, Manager