Preparing your first speech
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This document provides guidance on preparing and delivering a first speech. It discusses developing a focused topic, organizing the speech into an introduction, body, and conclusion, and rehearsing. For the presentation, speakers are advised to make eye contact, use gestures and their voice expressively, and overcome stage fright through preparation and positive thinking. The source for the guidance is a public speaking textbook.
Preparing your first speech
- 1. PREPARING YOUR FIRST SPEECH NES English Department Fall semester 2012 Anna Tsvetkova
- 2. Stages of preparation Developing the speech Organizing the speech Delivering the speech
- 3. Developing the speech Focus your speech Do not try to cover everything in one speech Observe the time limit Do not narrow the topic too much Develop your topic Think of creative ways to capture your audience’s attention Give vivid examples to prove your point
- 4. Organizing the speech The classic three-part organization: Introduction Body Conclusion
- 5. Organization: Introduction Get the attention and interest of the audience Pose a question Tell a story Make a startling statement Begin with a quotation Reveal the topic of your presentation
- 6. Organization: Body Order the information Follow a certain sequence: chronological, spatial, causal, problem- solution, topical Single out your main points Focus each point on one idea Limit the number of points depending on the time Use transitions Transitions help the listener follow you
- 7. Organization: Conclusion Let the audience know you are about to finish Reinforce your central idea If possible, end on a dramatic, clever, or thought- provoking note.
- 8. Organization: Conclusion Let the audience know you are about to finish Reinforce your central idea If possible, end on a dramatic, clever, or thought- provoking note.
- 9. Delivering the speech Speak extemporaneously Extemporaneous speech is a carefully prepared and rehearsed speech that is presented from a brief set of notes Rehearse the speech Looking silently over your notes is not enough! Presenting the speech
- 10. Presenting: start Move to the front of the room Face the audience Assume a relaxed and upright posture Plant your feet a bit less than shoulder-width apart Allow your arms to hang loosely by your side Arrange your notes before you start to speak Take a moment to take a look over your audience AND SMILE
- 11. Presenting: Gestures Feel free to use your hands to gesture, but don’t plan your gestures ahead of time – move naturally Avoid nervous mannerisms, such as twisting your hair, wringing your hands, shifting your weight from one foot to the other, rocking back and forth, tapping your fingers on the table Try to appear calm and relaxed
- 12. Presenting: Eye Contact Look at the audience as often as you can Be sure to look to the left and right as well as to the center Avoid the temptation to speak exclusively to one or two sympathetic individuals If you are too nervous to look your classmates in the eye, look to the side of each person or just above his or her head
- 13. Presenting: Voice Use your voice expressively Speak loudly so as to reach the back of the room Speak slowly, do not race through your speech
- 14. Presenting: Overcoming Stage Fright Gain speaking experience Prepare, prepare, prepare Think positively “I wish I didn’t have to give this speech” -> “This speech is a chance for me to share my ideas and to gain experience as a speaker” Use the power of visualization: Picture yourself delivering the presentation smoothly and confidently before you go on stage Know that most nervousness is not visible Don’t expect perfection
- 15. Source Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking. 11th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012. Pp 9-15, 63-75. Print.