Sunday, October 19, 2014

Conclusions

The conclusion of the speech is the last thing that the audience, or listener, hears. It is your time to make a lasting impression upon the listener and to allow them to remember your speech.A conclusion shouldn't be abrupt, and should be worked into and blended into the body of the speech. the main topic of the speech should flow into the conclusion.

The conclusion also should not be excessively long, and not necessarily used to add extra time to a speech. No new topics or points should be introduced and the conclusion should only be used to restate your opinions or your main points. Often times it may be a good idea to say "in conclusion" or "in summary". Other times a call to action may be more appropriate. Other suggestions for conclusions include but are not limited to quotes, rhetorical questions, restating the thesis, or humor.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Stage Fright

Stage Fright, or performance anxiety is a real, legitimate phobia that many people suffer from. But there are also many ways to remedy or alleviate the anxiety.

Methods Include:
Practice and Preparation
Self-Confidence
Relaxation

Many people fear that they may not be "good enough" for their audience. In all actuality, with a little confidence, practice, and inspiration, the speaker will do well. Stress is something that is mental, to 'psyche' us out and to scare us, but nervousness is nothing to be afraid of. Even the greatest of public speakers can be nervous. But, they proceed, they carry on, and they succeed.
Stage Fright and nervousness are nothing to worry about.
-Geroge Plimpton on The Art of Public Speaking



http://www.brainpickings.org/2013/04/03/george-plimpton-public-speaking/
stage fright.pptx by Katie Dennert

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Creating Speech Outlines

A speech contains three parts: Introduction, Body. Conclusion.

A Mock Outline:
A. Introduction
     1. Greeting
     2. Thesis Statement
B. Main Body
     1. Transition
     2. Main Idea
           a. evidence
     3. Supporting Idea
           a. evidence
C. Conclusion
     1. Transition
     2. Restated Points
     3. Closing Statement

The Outline looks very similar to an outline for a formal paper. It helps the speaker to organize their thoughts and to sketch out the speech. It serves as a type of script, but should not have full sentences. It is not word-for-word. It only contains the main points.

Simple Outline Description
Detailed Outline

Friday, September 5, 2014

How To Practice

Practicing is necessary if one would like to successfully present a speech. Ideally, repeating and presenting the speech alone 3 to 6 times should be sufficient. One should use the notecards that they plan on using whilst presenting their speech. Also, they should run through their speech in its entirety. It allows then to time it as well as work out transitions between points. Using gestures and visual aid during practice is also recommended.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Public Speaking: Tips AND Hints

Public Speaking:
  • the art of effective oral communication with an audience

  • the act or process of making speeches in public

Tips and Hints For Speaking Publicly:

  1. Knowledge: One must know the topic they are speaking on. Most speeches are planned out and set up according to expectations and the type of information the speaker is trying to convey.
  2. Practice:  "Practice makes Perfect." The age old saying applies here. Timing is a good idea when practicing. While practicing, the speaker becomes comfortable with the topic and the flow of information.
  3. Audience Engagement: It is necessary to keep the audience entertained while giving a speech. if your speech is boring, or you lack knowledge, the audience will not be attentive. In order to keep the audience's attention, LOSE THE PODIUM; walk around, use hand gestures, and be energetic in your speaking. Make Eye Contact.
  4. Self-Confidence: In order to be a sufficient public speaker, self confidence is key. Do not psyche yourself out. People will rarely be able to notice your nerves. There is nothing to be nervous about, as long as you put in enough work; practice and planning. You will succeed, if you believe that you will. Also, people want you to succeed.




"Better Public Speaking." MindTools.com. N.p., 201. Web. 3 Sept. 2014.
"Public Speaking." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, Web. 3 Sept. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public speaking>.
"10 Tips for Public Speaking." Toastmasters International. 2014. Web. 3 Sept. 2014.

Test Post

Hopefully this works. We will soon find out.