Outline For Preparing A Speech (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

PRESENTING YOUR TALK:

•

Try to be natural. Speak as you would talk normally.

•

Short sentences are more effective.

•

Look at the audience. Pick out a couple of people you know in different places and change your

focus every little while. That makes it look like you are talking right to the people.

•

Use your notes – glance down when you need to or want to. Don’t take your written speech up front

with you – you will be tempted to read it. You should always take notes with you. You might think

you know it well enough but you’re just being safe if you take them with you – whether you use

them or not.

•

Speak up !

Sound confident

–

Sound like you want everyone to know what you have to say

–

Try to speak at your natural speed - this usually means "slow down." We tend to speak too fast.

–

(Practicing will help you with this.)

•

Be enthusiastic! Think that what you are talking about is the most important thing in the world!

•

Smile! Look like you are enjoying it!

Stand still - don't pace back and forth, but don't act like a statue! Have your feet slightly apart with

your hands at your sides, or holding your notes at your waist.

•

Use a few gestures - hand movements to emphasize a point, show direction or size, or to count –

facial expressions to show emotion. AVOID OVER GESTURING! Gestures help to get the interest and

attention of the audience, but they should be natural.

•

The length of the speech is not critical. Judges base their scoring on the time the speaker can hold

the interest of the audience and the depth to which the topic is considered. A good short talk is

better than a long one the audience gets tired of.

Have something to say…

Say it…

Stop…

Good luck!

NOTE: All 4-H members are reminded to check with the rules and guidelines for both the Public

Speaking and Demonstrations Competitions before writing the speech. Ensure your

eligibility before you start! Then, when it's written, obtain a score sheet and go over all the

items your presentation will be evaluated on. This will help you become aware of how you

are being judged and it may help you prepare yourself better knowing all the things that are

important on the score card.

Outline For Preparing A Speech Page 2

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