Dr. John's Eazy-Peazy Guide to Public Speaking

Delivering A Speech—Nuts and Bolts

Delivery Methods

Manuscript
Prepared statement, often sounds lifeless, too detailed, best to use this style "for the record" or for media releases.
Memorized
Can break down, can increase stagefright/nervousness, makes statement appear memorized.
Extemporaneous
Best style, most effective. Memorize key points only, make brief notes, concentrate on getting the main points across and filling in the gaps with your own thoughts/words.
Impromptu
Unexpected/unprepared, "off the cuff," your opinion, speaking about a subject you are familiar with. Be sure and present a definite viewpoint early on.

Prepare with Confidence

Accept a certain amount of nervousness, you can't eliminate it all. The butterflies never go away, but you can get them to fly in formation.
Speak often, at every opportunity. Practice builds confidence.
Rehearse your speech, especially the introduction and conclusion, 3-6 times.
Think rationally about your presentation. Don't make it any more difficult by embellishing it with extra stigmas.
Remember: the bedrock of a successful speech is preparation.

Delivering Your Speech

Step up to speak with an air of confidence.
Establish eye contact with the audience immediately and speak with enthusiasm&mdasah;grab their attention.
Begin your speech without referring to your notes—make that important initial connection with your audience. But make sure your attention getter relates to your topic! Attention grabbers include
- "A Captivating Statement"
- "A Statistical Display"
- "Quotations"
- "Humor"
- "A Visual Attention Getter"
Stand with good posture—don't fidget or pace.
Speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone present—try to keep "ums" and "uhs" to a minimum.
Speak without dysfunctions.
Use proper vocabulary.
Enunciate clearly.
Vary the inflection, pitch, and volume of your voice somewhat during the course of your presentation—no dull monotones.
Don't emphasize or apologize for your mistakes.
Keep your attention focused on the topic and on the audience until you are actually finished—this includes the question and answer period.
Don't pack up early; don't be in a rush to get back to your seat.
When finished, move out confidently.

Embellish Your Speech

Avoid These Pitfalls

Avoid loaded or emotional language—respect your audience.
Avoid generalizations that don't clearly and directly address your topic.
Avoid diversions that turn attention away from main point and focus it on some matter that is not relevant.
Avoid emotional appeals to pity or fear.

End Your Speech Effectively

Tell your audience that you are ending your speech—"So, in conclusion..."
End with a story that illustrates the main points of your speech.
End with a quotation or a memorable phrase that sums up your topic.
End with an example of your theme—examples sum up presentations in layman's terms.
End with a rhetorical question.
End with conviction—don't let your enthusiasm dimish, the audience will feel let down.
End with a summarization of your main ideas—encapsulate the main ideas of your presentation, don't introduce new material.

Handle Questions and Answers Effectively

Determine the most effective time for questions—during or after your speech?
Start the ball rolling—ask a question and answer it.
Anticipate likely questions and be prepared with an answer.
Repeat and clarify each question so that audience understands it.
Treat questioners with respect, even the hostile one.
Keep the situation focused. Answer questions within the theme of your speech. Answer only the questions you feel confident about knowing the answer to, refer questions outside your area of expertise to others.
Buy time whenever necessary—"I don't know the answer but I'll find out and get back with you."

Dr. John's