Communications How to Deliver a Speech Welcome to the Manitoba 4-H Council’s Canned Presentation Series: Communications – How to Deliver a Speech. This is a basic presentation, geared towards 8 – 12 year olds. This presentation is based on Manitoba 4-H Council’s 4-H Communications Fact Sheet Series, available from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development offices. This presentation is designed as a 30 minute workshop (including activities) for 4-H clubs or Districts. While each of the presentations are independent, they build upon one another to make a series. Please feel free to adapt the examples of activities provided, to specific situations, based on your knowledge of the group. You may also need to find new activities if presenting the workshop to the same group. Activities included in the workshop are taken from; the Quality Equation Club Pack, 4-H Club Discovery Zone and the Quality Equation Binder. You can refer to these resources for additional ideas of activities. **Some activities require supplies or copies. Be sure to read through the presentation before delivering it.** Relevant quotes are included in each. They may be used; as discussion starters, posted on the wall or handed out to members for their manuals. Additional information may be provided as “Presenter’s Notes”. These are meant to further explain or suggest ways to enhance the workshop. Add your own notes and comments to assist you in delivering these workshops.

Delivery is Key… Preparation Appearance Body Language – posture and movements Facial Expression Vocal Expression Does the thought of presenting a speech in front of an audience make you giddy from excitement or do your knees start knocking with fear? Whatever your situation, with a few hints and some practice, you will become an expert. Delivery is Key… Preparation Appearance Body Language – posture and movements Facial Expression Vocal Expression

Preparation . . . Print your speech out onto small cue cards. Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare your speech. Print your speech out onto small cue cards. Number each card . . . just in case. Know your speech inside and out. Practice your presentation in front of family and friends. Do not leave writing your speech to the night before you have to deliver it. Small cue cards do not distract from the presentation of the speech and are not easily hidden behind. Numbering your cards will allow you to easily reorganize if you accidentally drop your speech. The more you have your speech memorized the more time you can focus on good eye contact. Practicing in front of family and friends will give you the confidence you need.

Appearance Do your hair in a way that it is neat and out of your face. Wear clean, neat clothing. Do your hair in a way that it is neat and out of your face. Be sure to read the rules related to costume use. Look happy to be there . . . SMILE! Appearance Wear clean, neat clothing – make a good first impression. Some people choose to wear their 4-H uniform, others wear normal clothes. Fancy or formal clothing is not necessary. Do your hair in a way that it is neat and out of your face – constant hand movements to fix or move your hair is distracting to the audience. Be sure to read the rules related to costume use - Wearing certain items may move your speech into the visual presentation category. Look happy to be there . . . SMILE! It makes a big difference.

Body Language Hold your head high – look straight towards the audience Stand tall and be firm in your stance Hold your head high – look straight towards the audience If used, small note cards should be held about chest height Begin as soon as you are acknowledged by the chairperson. Remember these tips about Body Language Stand tall with your feet together and shoulders rolled back. Do not sway or wiggle or shuffle your feet. Stand firm. Hold your head high with confidence. Keep your hands in one spot either by your side or holding the cards chest height. Any higher they will block your voice, any lower you will be talking into the ground. It is important to receive acknowledgement from the chairperson before beginning your speech.

Facial Expression Use good eye contact. Use facial expression to add some flare. Smile. It is the best way to relax your nerves. Facial Expression Use eye contact with the whole audience. If this is hard for you look over everyone’s heads towards the back of the room instead, but make sure you look up. Use facial expression to spice up your speech, it engages the audience Smile, relax, enjoy.

Vocal Expression Speak clearly. Speak at a reasonable speed. Speak at a good volume. Speak clearly. Speak at a reasonable speed. Use expression in your voice. Vocal Expression Your voice can either capture the attention of the audience, or cause them to turn off – if they can’t hear you, for example. Speak so that everyone in the room can hear you without having to strain. Be sure to say every word clearly. Speak at a even speed. Keep in mind that when you are nervous you may tend to speak faster so practice your pacing. Use vocal expression. Vary the pitch (high or low) of your voice, using only one pitch makes you sound like a robot

Activity Time! “Impromptu Speeches” Impromptu speeches are a great way to get members up and speaking without a great deal of preparation. 4-H Club Discovery Zone - Communication “Impromptu Speeches” Impromptu speeches are a great way to get members up and speaking without a great deal of preparation. You could include a few impromptu speeches at every club meeting; or use as a preparation for club communciations. Let’s practice some techniques with some familiar topics! Presenter’s Notes: Below is a list of topics that can be used for this activity. You can either write them on slips of paper for members to draw out of a hat or just read out a topic as they go. Variations: Have the topics inside blown-up balloons. Members choose a balloon, then pop it to find their topic. Pretend you are a radio interviewer. Bring a tape recorder/microphone to pose the questions. Playback is optional . . . The speaking experience is the key! Junior topic ideas: My favorite 4-H project is ______________________ because . . . My favorite 4-H activity is ______________________ because . . . If I were elected President of my 4-H club, I would . . . . I would like you to join 4-H because . . . . Senior topic ideas As a 4-H member, I have learned . . . I joined 4-H because . . . I enjoy being a 4-H member because . . . How has 4-H helped you in school? Tell about one way you have helped others through 4-H.

Discussion: Do you find any of the above things hard to do? If so, what could you do to get better? Who do you know that is a good public speaker? What do they do that makes them good? Discussion: Do you find any of the above things hard to do? If so, what could you do to get better? Who do you know that is a good public speaker? What do they do that makes them good? What are some of the key things to remember when you are delivering a speech?

“Have patience. Everything is difficult before it is easy.” ~Saddi There are many other public speaking resources to help 4-H members practice. 4-H Club Discovery Zone – has a whole section of activities related to communications Quality Equation Club Pack – has a variety of activities. To find them, look for the key word, Communication on the cross reference chart at the front of the book. Manitoba 4-H Council’s 4-H Communication Fact Sheet series