A POCKET GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING 4 TH EDITION Chapter 2 From A to Z: Overview of a Speech

Analyze the Audience  Learn audience members’ attributes and motivations.  Use interviews, questionnaires, and similar techniques.

Analyze the Audience (cont.)  Consider demographic characteristics:  Ratio of males to females  Age ranges  Cultural background and socioeconomic status

Select a Topic  Think about your interests and expertise.  Consider the interests of the audience.  Choose a topic suitable for  The audience;  The speech occasion.

Determine the Speech Purpose  Three general speech purposes:  To inform  To persuade  To mark a special occasion  Speeches should have a specific purpose.  State what audience should learn/do

Compose a Thesis Statement  The thesis statement  Expresses the central idea;  Consists of a single sentence;  Concisely communicates the topic.

Develop the Main Points  Main points:  Primary pieces of knowledge (informative speech)  Key claims (persuasive speech)  Include two or three per speech

Gather Supporting Materials  Supporting materials  Illustrate main points;  Clarify, elaborate, and verify your ideas;  Include all information available to you;  Lend credibility to your message.

Separate the Speech into Its Major Parts  Major parts of a speech:  Introduction  Body  Conclusion

Separate the Speech into Its Major Parts (cont.)  The introduction  Introduces the topic and speaker;  Alerts the audience to the thesis;  Catches the audience’s attention and interest.

Separate the Speech into Its Major Parts (cont.)  The body  Contains the main points and subpoints;  Supports the thesis of the speech.  The conclusion  Restates the thesis of the speech;  Reiterates how main points confirm it.

Outline the Speech  Outline  Framework of your speech  Based on coordination and subordination

Outline the Speech (cont.)  Coordinate points  Equally important  Indicated by parallel alignment  Subordinate points  Given less weight than main points  Placed to right of points supported

Outline the Speech (cont.)  Working outline:  Contains points stated in complete sentences  Speaking outline:  Far briefer  Uses short phrases or key words  Printed on separate sheets or cards

Consider Presentation Aids  Presentation aids  Help your audience understand your points;  Can be simple (writing on a blackboard);  Can be very involved (multimedia slideshow).

Practice Delivering the Speech  Practice is necessary for success.  Rehearse your verbal and nonverbal delivery.  Practice your speech often.  At least six times

Practice Your Vocal Delivery  Components of vocal delivery:  Speech volume  Pitch  Rate  Variety  Pronunciation  Articulation

Practice Your Vocal Delivery (cont.)  As you rehearse  Speak at an appropriate volume;  Speak at an appropriate rate;  Avoid speaking in monotone;  Practice saying your statements;  Pronounce words correctly and clearly.

Be Aware of Your Nonverbal Delivery  As you rehearse  Practice smiling;  Avoid a deadpan (blank) expression;  Practice making eye contact with listeners;  Practice gestures that feel natural;  Steer clear of exaggerated movements.