Sophomore Speech

Turning an essay into a speech 1.Do not read your paper 2.Do not read your paper 3.Create an outline 4.Familiarize yourself with your topic 5.Create note cards 6.Practice speech out loud in front of mirror 7.Practice speech out loud in front of people 8.Fix problems 9.Deliver speech

Do not read your paper This isn’t giving a speech it’s reading a paper. It will: Make you look stiff Make you look unprepared Make you disconnected with your audience Bore everyone being forced to listen to you Just don’t do it

Create an Outline An outline will give you a realistic idea of what needs to be covered. Start with the main points, and then give each point one or two supporting points. You can assume each point covered will have about seconds talking about it. An outline will give you a clear direction when delivering the speech.

Example: Thesis College should be free because the nation should place a higher value on education, we should be working together to progress our country, and it has become a necessity for obtaining a career. Introduction As a nation we should place a higher value on education Stat on value of education Analysis of stat We should be working together to progress our country Stat on country’s global achievement level Analysis of stat It is now necessary to have a degree to get a job Stat on people being hired with degree compared to those without a degree Analysis of stat Conclusion

Familiarize yourself with the topic You have already written a paper on it, so hopefully you know a lot about your topic. Reread your main points and support information. Have clear and thought out analysis

Create Note Cards Note cards will act as a guide to help you remember the points you are trying to make and the order that you are going in. Make sure to number your note cards. Only brief reminder of info, do not read off note cards.

Practice in front of a mirror By practicing out loud in front of a mirror you will see where you struggle. Have a confident posture, try to avoid filler words (um, and, so, well, etc.), smile, try to avoid looking down at your cards, practice emphatic movements. By practicing alone in front of a mirror you can work out all the problems before facing real people.

Practice in front of people Try to practice it a few times in front of family or friends. Once you have worked out your issues in front of a mirror, now you can practice in front of real people. Family and friends will be good because you should be comfortable with them, they can give you honest feedback that you may have been unaware of.

Fix problems Either the one’s you noticed in front of the mirror, or the suggestions that family/friends gave you. Don’t take it personally, they’re only trying to help. After fixing the problems practice it one more time.

Deliver speech Now that you have your outline, note cards, know your stuff, and have practiced numerous times alone and with family/friends; you are ready. Remember: Dress for success, please don’t stress, let the class do the rest, and please do your best. Good luck!