Specialty Speeches Advanced Communication Series Sujit Sukumaran DTM

Project 1 – The Impromptu Speech Objectives:  Develop an awareness of situations in which you might be called upon to deliver an impromptu speech  Understand how to prepare for impromptu speaking  Develop skill as a speaker in the impromptu situation by using one or more patterns to approach a topic under discussion; for example, comparing a past, present, and future situation or before and after  Time: 5-7 minutes; Difficulty: Medium

Project 1 – The Impromptu Speech Assignment and evaluation  On slips of paper, write down 5 topics you are familiar with  One at random will be selected which you will then have to speak on Key pitfalls:  Speakers take it casually since they think “impromptu” means unprepared  Contrary to table-topic of 2-3 mins, this is a full 7 minutes Table Topic  This project is still not fully impromptu, since 5 topics are selected by the speaker himself. A little careful planning and preparation eliminates “impromptu” feel  Ideally at the advanced level, speakers should let the audience decide a topic (author’s viewpoint) not go pre-prepared for “impromptu”

Project 2 – Uplift the Spirit Objectives:  Identify and understand the basic differences and similarities between inspirational speeches and other kinds of speeches  Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport  Develop a speech style and delivery that effectively expresses inspirational content by moving the audience to adopt your views Time: 8-10 minutes Difficulty: Medium

Project 2 – Uplift the Spirit Assignment and evaluation  For this project, the speaker is to prepare and present an inspirational speech  Topic can be general or occasion based. Key area of focus is on content, mood and ability to influence the audience and leave them in a better positive state than they were before listening to the speech Key pitfalls:  Topic selected is one that does not fit audience  Delivery aspects of voice modulation, emotion and appeal to the audience are not well detailed. Mostly monotonous delivery.

Project 3 – Sell a Product Objectives:  Understand the relationship of sales techniques to persuasion  Skillfully use the four steps in a sales presentation: attention, interest, desire, action  Identify and promote a unique selling proposition in a sales presentation  Be able to handle objections and close a prospective buyer Time: minutes Difficulty: Medium

Project 3 – Sell a Product Assignment and evaluation  Prepare and deliver a minute sales presentation, that involves either sale of a product or service or both.  Key points are to speak convincingly about the nature and value of your product create attention and interest and arouse desire resulting in a product buying action. Successfully handle any objections faced. Key pitfalls:  Choice of product or service is not of much use to the audience  Audience may not know about the product to make a decision  If choosing a partner for role-play, effectiveness of both to be tracked.

Project 4 – Read Out Loud Objectives:  Arrive at an understanding of the elements that comprise oral interpretation and how it differs from preparing and giving a speech  Learn the preparation or planning techniques of effective interpretation  Learn the principles of presentation and develop skill in interpretive reading with regard to voice and body as instruments of communication Time: 12 to 15 minutes Difficulty: Advanced skill required

Project 4 – Read Out Loud Assignment and evaluation  Select a literary work that appeals to you and will appeal to your audience.  Material selected is intended to be delivered as a polished performance with introduction, transitions and conclusion. Key pitfalls:  The choice of story is too long as compared to time limit.  Characters and their relationships, dialogue, plot lines, premise of the story and its suitability for “read-aloud” all are very important  Choice of the story does not match with speaker’s traits of voice and delivery

Project 5 – Introduce the speaker Objectives:  Focus on the special occasion talk from the standpoint of the introducer (function chairman, toastmaster, master of ceremonies)  Become knowledgeable and skilled in the functions associated with master of ceremonies  Handle the introduction of other speakers at a club meeting Time: The duration of a club meeting Difficulty: Medium

Project 5 - Introduce the Speaker Assignment and evaluation  The speaker has to be the TMOD of the meeting during which this project is to be performed  Introduce all speakers formally with an opening, body and conclusion within 1 to 3 minutes  Briefly thank speakers, introduce President who will then conclude meeting at close of session. Key pitfalls:  Generic introductions without detail are given  The introductions should be warm and interest arousing which require careful preparation. Flat, rushed intros to be avoided.  All intros should be done within time (1 to 3 min) per introduction. Time management is key.

What’s in it for me?  This is an mid-level manual among the Advanced Series  Great manual for people wanting different tests to develop speaking skills of specific types  Ideally attempt at ACB level.  The foundation skills if learnt sincerely will help in a variety of areas ranging from emcee-ing, to sales, recitals and when called for a keynote.

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