Speech Writer

Subject of Presentation 1. Determine the expectation of the audience  2. Select topic of speech a. select topic you are familiar with b. select a topic that is current c. select a topic you have strong opinion on d. select a topic that is not too simple or too complex e. select a subject that is not too general or too specific

Structure of Presentation 2. Body a. discusses main ideas supporting them with facts and claims b. should be organized in logical format (same order as stated in thesis or speech focusing statement Chronological order – oldest event to most recent Spatial order – how topic relates to various sections or places (i.e.. voting in the South versus in the North) Cause and Effect – identify the cause and then the impact, effect it has on the group Problem and solution – state the problem then offer viable solutions sequential order – step-by-step, explains steps in a process General to Specific – begin with a general picture then move on to finer details. Go from overall picture or concept to individual components or departments. Specific to General – starts with specific details and then puts into more general context Magnitude – starts small and familiar then moves to something larger and less familiar (i.e.: math problems)

Structure of Presentation 3. Conclusion a. Either summarize main points or put points in certain perspective b. Do not add new facts in conclusion c. Do not use phrases “in conclusion” or “at last” when wrapping up speech, but do allow audience to know you are closing your argument or presentation do not leave them hanging.

Cue Cards and Visual Aids 1. Do not read your written speech to the audience and do not read your visual aids. Doing so leaves your audience unconnected and with a sense of wasted time. They could just have well as read your presentation then to listen to you.   2. Use Cue-Cards that a. two to three facts per card 3. Visual Aids a. should add to, not detract from your presentation b. should be neat, clearly presented, easily seen, support topic, be functional, and easily manipulated. c. should show outline of presentation – bullet key ideas d. should realistically show or represent what something is to look like e. when showing numbers – use clear format such as charts or graphs f. should emphasize key information

Practice, Body Language, Voice a. rehearse b. repetition is the key to remembering c. try to replicate or imitate the circumstances under which the speech is to be delivered   Practice Audibly a. say it out loud b. record or video yourself 1. check to see if content flows 2. check for simple words 3. check for clear concise sentences that tie or flow together (use of transitions) Prepare Critically a. thoroughly evaluate all the sections of the speech b. thoroughly evaluate visual aids c. Thoroughly critique your delivery

Cont. Prepare Repeatedly a. repetition leads to memorization and increased comfort Prepare Visually a. practice in front of a mirror or other people b. check for body language c. check for articulation/vocal control d. check for use of visual aids e. check for flow of speech (too fast or too slow; phrasing; pitch; volume)   2. Body Language a. check your gestures and stance b. utilized effective movements and gestures that contribute to the overall quality of the presentation make sure your facial expressions match the emotion/content of the speech Eye Contact should be maintained at least 50% of the time

Voice a. keep calm b. regulate volume – not too loud or too soft c. pitch - not too high or too low d. rate – should vary rate but be careful not to rush

Question/Answer Session 1. Prepare ahead of time – develop a list of potential questions and devise answers to them   2. If you don’t know an answer – admit it and tell you audience that you would be happy to research answers and share your findings with them 3. If you misquoted individual facts or statistics – apologize, stand corrected, and make a note of your error 4. If the same person keeps confronting or pestering you, acknowledge the individuals right to his/her beliefs as well as your right to maintain your viewpoint

The Listener’s Role The formal job of the listener is to offer appropriate feedback to the speaker through formal and informal critiques. Three formal rules of feedback  do not get personal, rather, describe the speaker’s mistakes offer specific comments, not general only comment on things the speaker has control of (voice, poise, content, organization, pace, etc.,)   Role as a listener be genuine and sincere in your appraisal listen to the speaker when he/she is talking rather than practicing or thinking about comments you will offer at end of speech try to understand the speaker from his/her point of view rather than your own Role as an evaluator  share your honest, non-personal feelings and thoughts with the speaker make “I” statements, (“I” think your comment about…, “I” feel you could have…) be specific in your comments offer constructive, not destructive criticism keep in mind that every speaker is a unique individual comment on speech, not the speaker keep your personal bias to yourself

Six Steps to Facing Fear of Presenting . Face your fear and investigate the nature of it. Determine if your fear is realistic. What is the source or cause of your fear? 2. Remove the fear by using self talk and other techniques to increase your confidence level. 3. Think Positive – learn from your previous mistakes by turning them into learning experiences from which to grow from. 4. Prepare adequately. Research your topic thoroughly. Organize your thoughts logically and practice, practice, practice. 5. Think Success – visualize yourself succeeding! 6. Problem Solve – anticipate problems that could occur and problem solve as to how you would handle them if they occurred.

Time Limit the speech should fall between 2 and 4 minutes No more than 2 minutes for questions

Audience In your Writer’s Notebook, List: Speaker- Topic- Convincing?- Discussing results later

SPEAKING AND LISTENING Speech Writing Grade 8 Score 4.0 In addition to score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications that go beyond what was taught. Score 3.0 The student will: • Present grade-appropriate claims and findings, emphasizing points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details (SL.8.4) Score 2.0 The student will recognize or recall specific vocabulary, such as: • Claim, coherent, detail, emphasize, evidence, finding, focus, point, reasoning, relevant, sound, valid The student will perform basic processes, such as: • Write a grade-appropriate speech using a teacher-provided graphic organizer or template Score 1.0 With help, partial success at 0.0 Even with help, no success Your Rate/Explanation/next step…goal