FURTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR PRESENTATION

 

(From Toastmasters International Better Speaker Series)

Requirements: The student is required to present an eight to twelve minute speech with visual aids before a panel of judges.  He or she should wear appropriate business attire. Students should avoid dressing as they would for a party or date.

 

Planning the Speech: The student should complete an outline to help organize the speech.  It will help to write the main points of the speech on note cards and use those cards when practicing.  Sufficient practice is the key to a good speech.  Students should time the speech when practicing so they know the time limit is acceptable.  Delivery techniques include: 1) Speak slowly and clearly, 2) Know the material, 3) Make frequent eye contact with the judges and 4) Do not read.

 

Organizing Your Speech

Start With a Formula

1)     Tell them what you’re going to tell them.

2)     Tell them.

3)     Tell them what you’ve told them.

Basic Speech Outline

1)     The Introduction

2)     The Body

a)     Main ideas or points

b)    Supporting Material

3)     The Conclusion

Begin in the Middle

1)     List key points

2)     Arrange them in order

3)     Expand those points

4)     Develop an introduction

5)     Develop a close

Successful Speech Openings

1)     Get attention

2)     Introduce the topic

3)     Establish rapport

4)     Take 5 – 10  percent of the speech time

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Some Opening Techniques

1)     State importance of topic

2)     Startle the audience

3)     Arouse suspense/curiosity

4)     Tell a story

5)     Ask a rhetorical question

6)     Begin with a quotation

7)     Reference the occasion

Successful Speech Conclusions

1)     Achieve closure

2)     Summarize main points

3)     Make an impact

4)     Take five to ten percent of speech time

Some Closing Techniques

1)     Use a quotation

2)     Tell a story

3)     Call for action

4)     Ask a rhetorical question

5)     Refer to the beginning

6)     Repeat main points