Speech Preparation
Speech Assignment Guidelines
The purpose of giving the speech:
1. To entertain
2. To share information
3. To convince (logical argument, persuasive)
4. To persuade the audience to take action (logical and
emotional argument)
Speech Assignment Guidelines
The criteria and process of evaluation to be used.
Who the audience will be.
When the speech is to be given.
The formality of presentation expected.
Speech Assignment Guidelines
The topic limitations or focus. How this assignment
fits with other aspects of the class.
The amount of time given to prepare (impromptu,
extemporaneous, or prepared)
The minimum and maximum length of the
presentation.
Preparing and Delivering a Speech
Student Checklist
Choose a topic both you and your audience will like.
Make sure your topic fits the assignment and time
limit.
Do a good job of thinking about and researching your
topic. Explore all sides of the topic.
Preparing and Delivering a Speech
Student Checklist
Think about the topic information you have gathered
and use only the details which will work well for
you.
Write an introduction that will gain the interest of
your audience as well as introduce your topic.
Preparing and Delivering a Speech
Student Checklist
Think about how you can move from one point to
another smoothly.
Use your own language. Speak as if you were
actually talking to someone.
Don't use a "big" word when a small one will do.
Preparing and Delivering a Speech
Student Checklist
Make sure everything you say is clear and
understandable.
Speak loudly enough so that everyone can hear you.
Don't rush! – Take your time and your voice will
naturally add color and interest to your topic.
Preparing and Delivering a Speech
Student Checklist
Keep both feet on the floor. Don't slouch, sway, or
teeter.
Show enthusiasm for your topic from start to finish.
Look at your audience as you speak.
End with a strong, interesting idea.
Finding a "Good" Topic
You should focus on choosing a topic:
that you have some knowledge about, or wish to gain
knowledge about;
that you care about; and
that is appropriate for the audience and the setting.
Things to Consider in Choosing a Topic
You should always strive to select topics that will not
offend any members of the audience or promote
harmful or illegal actions.
Avoid topics that the audience already knows.
Use caution in selecting topics where your audience
might have extremely political opinions on subjects
like abortion and school prayer.
5 Ps to Great Speech
Plan!
Plan
Who am I going to be speaking to?
Where will I be speaking?
When will I be giving the speech?
How much time is allowed for my speech?
What will the message of my speech be?
Do I know enough about my topic or should I do more research?
How will I present my information and develop my topic?
Do I have my thesis stated in the introduction of my speech in one
sentence?
Prepare!
Prepare
Review the main idea (thesis) of the speech
Choose a plan of organization
Develop an outline using the main points
Add supporting details to the outline
Write the introduction, body, conclusion
Polish!
Polish
Time your speech
Add connecting words (transitions)
Review and improve your vocabulary:
1) No grammatical errors or slang
2) Use words your audience will understand
3) Make descriptions detailed
Prepare notecards for practicing and presenting
Practice!
Practice
Decide what style you will use to present
1) Friendly and sincere
2) Casual and informal
3) Serious and formal
Practice in many ways
Be patient
Present!
Attitude
Dress for success
Project confidence
Prepare your materials ahead of time
Use all of the skills of speaking
1) Eye contact
2) Sound confident
3) Emphasize key ideas and words
4) Concentrate on what you're saying
5) Make sure your audience is understanding
6) Smile and gesture
Finish with confidence
1) Pause and smile
2) Ask for questions
3) Give clear answers
Scoring Guide Rubric
Ideas and Content
Organization
Language
Delivery
Ideas and Content
Content should be adapted to audience interest. Details should be clear,
focused and carefully selected for strong support. Insightful
connections between main topic and supporting information must be
strong. The purpose must be clear and focused with supporting
information. The adaptation of complex content to support the
presentation (surveys, charts, facts and research information) is
essential. Asking questions of your audience to draw them into the
presentation is a very strong way of linking information with life.
Organization
The use of strong, functional, creative and audience appropriate language will
keep interest high. You must show total control of the subject through proper
language. Use of proper grammar is important when clarifying complex messages
or when dealing with scientific information. Use technical terms when
appropriate. You must understand the language you are presenting. Any language
outside your knowledge base will detract from your presentation. Explain and
define terms, which were difficult for you to understand. They are just as hard for
your classmates to understand and this might be the first time they have heard
these terms. Your lack of knowledge will distract from your presentation.
Delivery
Use the delivery section of the scoring guide to critique
this portion of your speech. Have your parents listen to your
presentation. If they are not available ask a friend to critique
your presentation. Practice will ensure that you do not have
lapses in fluency. Presenters must act interested and
enthusiastic about their topic.
Final Reminders in Delivering a Speech
Do not wear a watch, hat, coat, or sweatshirt that
may distract you or be distracting to listeners
No gum or mints.
Do not take a pen, pencil, or any other distraction
with you to the front of the room when you are ready
to give your speech
Only write an outline for your speech. You cannot
read your speech. You must know what you are going
to say.
Final Reminders in Delivering a Speech
Notes should be written on only one side of 3x5 or 4x6
cards. Have notecards in order.
Only use your notecards when you lose your place.
Practice in front of a mirror so you can look up and make
eye contact with the audience.
Step # 1 Organize your speech.
Introduction
1.Introduction
a. Attention getter
b. Thesis statement
Body of Speech
1.Body of speech
a. Main point 1
b. Main point 2
c. Main point 3
Conclusion
1.Conclusion
a. Restate thesis statement
b. Conclusionary device
1. Call to action
2. Refer back to attention getter
