1. BY: MRS. ALLEN-VANDERTOORN SPRING 2007

2. 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.

3. MRS. ALLEN- VANDERTOORN’S TIPS FOR SUCCESS

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.