BY:

MRS. ALLEN-VANDERTOORN

SPRING 2007

• You are required to develop a 4 – 6 minute speech on a topic of interest. This must be approved by me so a proposal is due on May 14th. Proposal is to include the topic choice and your thesis. Keep in mind this is a persuasive speech.

• This assignment addresses the three outcomes in the Speaking and Listening Strand, as well as Outcome 8 in Writing and Representing.

• Delivery of speeches will commence on May 31st. A schedule will be developed and you must be here on your assigned day.

MRS. ALLEN-VANDERTOORN’S TIPS

FOR SUCCESS

• Begin with something to get the attention of your audience.

• This could be a startling statement, a statistic, or your own story.

• By grabbing the attention of your audience, you are on your way to a successful speech.

• Your energy is contagious. If you are enthusiastic, your audience will be motivated to listen.

• Speak with variety in your voice. Slow down for a dramatic point, speed up for excitement, and pause for effect.

• Move around the room – don’t be tied to the lectern.

• Use facial expressions for effect.

• To guarantee strong eye contact with your audience, do not read your speech.

• Use note cards with key words as a trigger for you to speak about.

• Reading your speech will diminish the enthusiasm of your delivery, so avoid this strategy.

• Something in your speech should make your audience think “Wow”.

• This could be a story, a dramatic point, an unusual statistic, or an effective visual.

• Using this strategy will have an impact for both you and your audience. You will be more enthusiastic and your audience will be more pumped.

• Consider using a touch of humour.

• Keep your humour short – even comedians lose their audience when a story goes on too long.

• Do not poke fun at your audience; you should be the object of any shortcoming.

• Leave your audience with something to think about. You might summarize your main points, or you might complete the statement, “What I want to do as a result of this presentation is…”

• People remember best what you say last.

• Your speech needs structure – this would be the same as an essay as you need an introduction, body and conclusion.

• Don’t have more than three main points and each point must also be supported.

• It is important to tie your points together – this could be as simple as using “First”, “Second”, or “Finally”.

• Your audience needs to be able to follow your speech easily so structure is necessary.

• The most effective speeches have been rehearsed prior to delivery.

• You may want to watch yourself deliver your speech in front of a mirror.

• You may tape record or video tape your speech so you can analyze its effectiveness.

• Look pleasant, enthusiastic, confident, proud, but not arrogant.

• Remain calm; appear relaxed even if your knees are knocking.

• Speak slowly ensuring you enunciate your words clearly.

• Don’t chew gum, lean on the lectern, play with your hair, say ummm. etc.