What makes a great speech? ….. YOU do! …..But how?

Part 1 Preparing your speech

The Basics Your speech should be between 3 and 4 minutes in length. 1 point will be deducted for every 10 seconds under or over this guideline. You will need to memorize your speech, BUT: You can have about 5-6 cue cards with your main points written on them. (Use your outline!) You have until Thursday (Feb. 10th) to choose a topic. Your outline will be due on Monday, February 14th. Written copy will be due the 25th of February. Presentations will begin immediately following our return from March Break.

What should I do my speech about? Pick a topic you know about and are interested in If you are interested, your audience will be too! You will need to be able to talk for 3 to 4 minutes. Be original, and remember almost anything goes! Remember… you’re in school. If you’re not sure if it’s appropriate, ASK your teacher!

An example…. POOR TOPIC: Hockey (w-a-y too broad!) BETTER TOPIC: The Montréal Canadiens. (Still, very broad… and not so original!) GETTING BETTER… Jacques Plante. (Still lots of possibilities!) EXCELLENT TOPIC: How Jacques Plante got the idea for a hockey mask. Narrowed down and original!

When selecting and narrowing your topic, remember: Your speech should accomplish one or more of the following three things: INFORM your audience. Make your audience THINK. ENTERTAIN your audience. If you can accomplish more than one of these things, so much the better.

How should your speech begin? Greet those your are speaking to. Begin with “Honourable judges”, then mention teachers, fellow students, and anyone else present. Within the first 20 to 30 seconds, your topic should be clear to your audience. Grab your audience’s attention with a surprising or interesting fact or a laugh.

The body of your speech Ideas should be well organized and in logical order. Make sure it is clear when you are starting to talk about a new point. Keep it simple. (K.I.S.S. Philosophy!) Watch out for rambling! Sentences should be short and easy for listeners to follow.

To finish off Reiterate the 2 or 3 most important points you made. What do you want your audience to remember about your speech?… …But, be careful not to repeat yourself! Thank your audience for their attention.

Presenting your speech Part 2 Presenting your speech

When you are speaking… …Remember, HOW you say it is as important as WHAT you say! Practice in front of a mirror. Stand straight and tall. Make eye contact with your audience. Speak loudly and clearly but don’t yell - Think volume 5 on a radio dial. Watch your rate of speech - not too fast, not too slow. Pause when it is appropriate. (1-2 seconds).

Your Impromptu Speech Right after your prepared speech, you will pick an impromptu speech topic that you have never seen before You should speak for 1 minute. This will be an opinion topic, not something you would have researched in advance. This is still a formal speech – your voice should remain loud and clear, your posture straight, and your ideas easy to follow.

Nervous? A little anxiety is good! It will keep you on your toes. Good preparation is the key! Practice in front of as many different people as possible. Ask them for pointers. Prepare cue cards with main points and keep them in order. Control your breathing. Focus your mind. Remember, your audience is on your side!

Grade Five Vice Presidental Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-eStp4NqBU&feature=related