Writing a speechBELINDA MARIE BALRAJ

Introduction of Oral PresentationYou can start your presentation by using several ways:

i) Humour – Topic: English “ If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?”ii) Quotation – Topic: Patriotism “ Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it” – George Bernard Shawiii) Statistics- Topic: Effects of 2004 Tsunami “ The total estimated deaths was 221,100. Out of this total, 166,320 were Indonesians.

Introduction of Oral Presentationv) An unusual statement – Topic: Teaching and

Learning“Good teaching is one-forth preparation and three-fourths theatre”

vi) A question (rhetorical) – Topic: Bird Nests“ Do you know what bird nests are for?”

iv) An anecdote – Topic: Aftermath of 2004 Tsunami “ Rescuers found bodies, everywhere: bloated, swelling, some naked and distorted, rotting in the tropical heat. A few who survived, struggled amidst the floating dead, entangled in uprooted trees and broken wooden houses.

Language expressions for IntroductionA successful oral presentation depends on

the fluency of the language used.It is important so that you can deliver your

presentation confidently and enthusiastically.These expressions are also known as

transitions, linking words or signal words.It can help build a logical progression of the

key points to be delivered.

Examples of language expressions- Acknowledging the chairman- Greeting the audience- Introducing yourself / co-presenters- Announcing the topic / title- Giving the outline of your presentation

Body of a PresentationPoints must be organized from the most important

to the least important – retention of points by the audience is reduced as the presentation goes on

Identify how many points to be delivered and it must be supported by supporting details or relevant evidence.

Main points depend on your purpose and topica) Academic and technical – problem/solution format, theory/plan of action structureb) technical invention – describing techniques

Preparing the ending of a presentationEnd your presentation by using words that

are memorable or that make a significant impact on the audience.

You may end with; conclusion of your content, summary of the key points, recommendations / quotations/questions / call for actions

Transitions for a speechTransitions make it easy for your listeners to

follow your plan for your speech.They remind your audience where you’ve

been and tell them where you’re going.Transitions after the Introduction

* This transition should signal that the main part of the speech is about to begin.* “First, you’ll be pleased to learn about the comfortable cabins that will be your rooms for the week.”

Transitions for a speech*Transitions within the body- This kind of transition generally consists of two

separate sentences that provide two important functions;a) to review the information just presentedb) to preview the next section

- The following transition is used before talking about the ship’s facilities:“Now you can see how comfortable you’ll be while in your cabin. However, the ship has many facilities for you to enjoy when you leave your cabin.”

Transitions for a speechTransitions before the conclusion

* Every speech needs a transition before the conclusion.* It signals the speech is about to end.* The following transition links the body and the conclusion:“ With all these great onboard activities, you might not want to leave the ship at all!”