Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Beginning and Ending

Everyone knows that the hardest part (other than delivering) in writing a speech is writing the beginning and ending it properly. Being able to get the attention of the audience is the first goal, if no one is interested who will you speech be directed to? There are certain ways that are appropriate to begin a speech with. For example:

Start off with Humor- tell a funny story or a joke to get their attention but make sure that it is related to your speech

Begin with a brief story- this could be a personal story, why this subject is important to you, what changed your views on the subject, or just a story you feel is appropriate

Ask a rhetorical question- ask a question that will either allow the audience to question what they know or want to learn more about it.

Begin with a definition- say for example your speech is on cheating, the audience may have different definition for cheating so it's up to the speaker to state the definition and let them know what you are talking about

Begin with a startling statement- State a fact that will startle that audience, something that big that surprises that audience enough to want to hear more

Start with a quotation- Quoting someone shows that you have done your research. Also some quotes spark the audience's interest and they want to learn how the quote connects to your speech

That of course is to name a few. There are many ways to get the audience's attention, it's up to you how you want to do it without losing sight of the subject you are going to discuss. Along with Introductions there are also many ways that you could end the speech and once again get the attention from the audience.

Conclusions:
End with a Call to Action- Lead your speech to an action, challenge your audience to make a difference and take action for something they believe in

End with a Rhetorical question- by questioning the audience they will think about the questions you asked and remember your speech along with the message you are trying to give

End with a positive vision of the future- an example of this would be Martin Luther's "I have a Dream" speech. He envisions a better future for his children

End with a restatement of your central idea- remind the audience of why you are there

Beginning and ending speeches are sometimes difficult but always remember that there is a reason for your speech and no matter what at least one person will get something out of your speech.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Presenting an Award

Have you ever gone to an awards ceremony? Noticed how the speaker presenting the award keeps the recipient a secret until the very end? People keep the other person a secret until the very last minute in order to keep the suspense.

Which would you prefer? That the speaker announce the recipient and then say a million great things about them and possibly have people become uninterested? Or to have the speaker name a couple things that led to the decision of that certain recipient all the while the audience is guessing who it could be? Sometimes the answer being very clear, others the answer is unknown until the name is called.

Want to learn how to write a speech to present an award to someone you believe deserves an honor?

Well here are some tips on how to write your speech and keep it suspenseful until the very end.

Intro: Who you are and what group is presenting the award
 
1) Describe the Award
2) Tell qualifications expected for this award winner
3) The winner's accomplishments toward the award
 
Conclusion: Announce the Winner (Keep it suspenseful)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

One-Liners for Speakers


     1. Can’t raise microphone) I’ve gotta start working out......

     2. I knew this was going to be a good audience when I noticed all the tacky
        ones sat at the back.

     3. [response] Thanks so much for saying all those wonderful things. Could I
         have a copy of that for my in-laws?

     4. I’m not here to say anything profound. I’m here to make a speech.

     5. [intro] I’ll begin by telling you what a remarkable person our speaker is.
         Then I’ll describe all the wonderful things he’s done for the community.
         And I’ll conclude by saying some things that are true.

     6. [small crowd] I forgot to bring something with me—my audience.

     7. [If someone takes your picture] Paparazzi!!

     8. (Introducing a co-worker) In your office we have someone who’s always
         there ... a person we can count on ... someone who does the work of
         three people – your secretary.

     9. (Honoring a doctor) We bought you a gift you’ll appreciate: a 
         state-of-the-art beeper. It alerts you when there’s a sale on golf clubs.

     10. (Heckler) I bet you work in telephone solicitation, right?

      11. [Mic problem] This microphone is like my wife: it won’t let me speak.

     12. [To retiree] We wanted to immortalize you by having your likeness
           made into a bronze statue, but it’s too expensive. So we have another
           gift that will give you the bronze look—this tube of suntan lotion.

     13. [goof] There are several secrets to giving a good speech. That was not
           one of them.

     14. And if anybody out there doesn't know what I'm talking about, then you
           must know how I feel!

     15. You’ve been a wonderful audience. So ... we’re even.

     16. [When you’re a substitute] Now you know how people feel when they’re
           expecting Mel Gibson, and get Mel Tillis.

     17. [If you’re short] I’m short, but I compensate—by making my speeches
          long.

     18. [Flowery intro] Thank you for that wonderful introduction. I wish I could
           figure out who you have me confused with.

     19. [loud crash] Oh-oh. I told Shaq that rocking horse wouldn’t hold him.

     20. You’ve been a great audience. I don’t really mind a few coffee slurpers.

     21. [hot room] I haven't sweated this much since my tax audit.

     22. Now I'd like to open the floor to questions. And since they never get a
           chance to speak, why don't we start with the married men?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Monroe's Motivated Sequence

A speech that requires you to persuade an audience to believe what you believe, or to convince them to act definately is in need of Monroe's Motivated Sequence.
Monroe's Motivated Sequence consists of Attention- You need to gain attention and introduce the topic clearly.
Next is the Need- clearly explain it, demonstrate it and relate it to the audience, what exactly is the problem?
Follow through with Satisfaction- What is your solution? Your plan? Is it well thought out?
Visualization- Visualize your plan working and how you want other people to view it. Show them that your plan is the best plan.
Immediate Action- Give the audience a challenge, what should they do now that they learned about the issue introduced?

Whenever speaking in public always make sure to use maximum eye contact, have vocal variety, and be dressed professionally.

Keep these in mind and you'll be on your way to pursuading your audience to believe in your plan and call them to action.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

10 Tips for Public Speaking

How to find your confidence. 

No matter how experienced you are, everyone will get nervous prior to giving a speech. Here are 10 tips that will help you to find your confidence and deliver the greatest speech possible:
  1. Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say.
  2. Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected. Practice at least 13 times in order to be sure you are 100% ready to deliver your speech!
  3. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.
  4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.
  5. Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm and positive energy!
  6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.
  7. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you!
  8. Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.
  9. Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.
  10. Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you— as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.
    (Courtesy of Toastmasters International). 
     
     


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Nervous

Everybody gets nervous right before going up on stage or just going in front of a crowd. Some people see this as a reason to keep them from going up and stating their opinion or trying to inform people. Being nervous should not be the reason that stops you from doing what you want or you think could benefit others. Below I will share a couple tips that that could help you the next time you get the jitterbug when going up on stage.

1. Take a deep breath right before going in front of a crowd
2. Get to know your audience before
3. Play a game that will allow you to get rid of some of nervousness
4. Visualize how you want your audience to react
5. Give yourself a pep talk right

The most important advise I can think of is to have fun. Yes it can be nerve wrecking to go up in front of a crowd but they want to be there and listen to you. Have fun talking about something you enjoy or feel it could benefit other people.

But remember it is normal to be nervous right before talking in front of a group of people. Almost everyone goes through it.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Cultural Day at Coe

Using a Prezi is a fun way to share photos and documents. Click on the link for a demonstration and to learn more about last month's service learning project.
Cultural Day at Coe 2011 Prezi

Martin Luther King

Reading a classic speech like Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream can help students learn about speech construction and speech delivery.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Practice makes Perfect

When learning to speak in public it is always best to practice before going on stage. Practicing will allow you to become comfortable with your material and will limit the times that you look at your notes. Practice makes Perfect.

1) Read your speech in front of someone (such as a Speaking center consultant) and ask for feedback
2) Edit your speech including suggestions that may have been given
3) Read your speech in front of someone else to get a different point of view (or have someone read your speech back to you so you can hear if it makes sense)
4) Edit the speech once more
5) Read speech to self
6) Practice speech at least 13 times

Other things that may be done are to go to the Speaking Center and allow yourself to be videotaped. Watch the video to see what needs to be worked on in the case of body movements, eye contact and how loud you have to be.