Public Speaking GuideKey Points

Presented by Mark Phillips

HUNTING AND GATHERINGChapter 1

Research Should Validate Points In The Speech

• All of your data and references should be credible, accurate and up-to-date.

• Sources can be books, but evaluate for relevance to time period.

• Online resources may be more current.

Referencing Sources

• Pick choice statistics and facts to support claims

• Academic sources usually are reliable

• Do not plagiarize

• Acknowledge resources

Plagiarism

Run speech document through a content plagiarizing tool like Copyscape to catch

any material copied from website pages.

Persuade & Convince

Use interesting statistics and studies

Organize

• Manual methods– Color 3x5 notecards– Accordion file folder– Colored files

• Electronic methods– Cloud– Evernote

Cross-Reference Notes To Resources For Easy

Reference

ANALYZE YOUR AUDIENCEChapter 2

Know Your Audience

• What are their interests?

• What motivates them?

Appeal to the Audience

• In order for them to relate to your message you have to understand their:– Interests– Demographics– Goals– Beliefs– Values

Keep The Audience Engaged

• Tell them something new

• Appeal to their needs

• Be aware of their opinions

Demographic Awareness

• Age• Culture• Sex• Religion• Ethnicity• Education• Income levels

Values of the Audience

• Be in touch with the opinions and values of the audience

Benefits Of Analyzing Your Audience

• Provides you with an understanding of the audience’s perception and views

• Craft the speech to match the audience

• Avoid embarrassing or offensive references

Anticipate response and prepare for any questions

Speak at the education level of the audience using their own

‘language.’

Is the speech to inform or to persuade?

Location

• Prepare for the delivery setting (indoors, outdoors, small/large audience, televised, classroom, auditorium, etc)

WRITING DOWN THE BONES OF YOUR SPEECH

Chapter 3

The Main Elements Of Your Speech Are:

• Introduction• Main Content

• Conclusion

Introduction

• Acknowledge and thank the person who introduces you

• Thank the audience for attending• Starting with a story that illustrates or

highlights the purpose of your speech will help you connect with the audience

• Establish your credentials to speak on the topic

The Introduction (the Hook)

Introductory Points

• Acknowledge and thank the person who introduces you

• Thank the audience for attending

• Establish your credentials to speak on the topic

Starting with a story that illustrates or highlights the purpose of your speech will help you connect with the

audience

The Main Content

Main Points

• Establish the purpose/premise of the speech

• Identify what you want them to do with the information provided

• Reference statistics, studies, sources

Tips

• Find points for pausing• Use anecdotes that cause the audience to

reflect or to consider the point• Include at least 3 key points• Discuss points from strongest to weakest

point• State opposing arguments• Avoid clichés• Use “our” or “we” as inclusive

The Conclusion

Concluding Points

• Brief review of premise and points

• Address questions if appropriate

• Address the “call to action” where you request them to perform the “most wanted” response.

Thank the audience for their participation

EDITING AND PRACTICING FOR TIMINGChapter 4

Review and Revise

• Smooth transitions between main points and between the Introduction, Main Body and Conclusion

• Make sure the vocabulary matches the audience

• Read it aloud to identify flaws and incongruities

• Avoid acronyms and any type of marketing or technology lingo unless used to make a point

Dealing With Writer’s Block

• Write out gibberish about anything

• Look at pictures in a magazine

• Take a meditation or exercise break

• Discuss the topic with a friend

Practice sessions

• Practice the delivery of your speech in front of a mirror and with a recorder

• Body language and other important details

• Practice in front of others

• Smile and be sincere

GETTING RID OF THE JITTERSChapter 5

Practice Cures All Jitters

• Spend more time rehearsing the speech to yourself, in front of a mirror and to a practice audience.

• More practice actually vocalizing the speech means less nerves at delivery time.

• Use visual aids (slidedecks, audio clips, videos, or flipcharts to break up speaking time.

• Rehearse in the actual environment• Perfect the timing• Dress like a professional

Tricks for Audience Engagement

• Neutralize body language

• Make eye contact

• Use gestures

• Move around

Practice again