Preparing a Speech LESSON AFNR D3-4

Anticipated Problems How should a speech be planned, written, and prepared based on the audience and occasion? How is a speech properly cited in APA format? What are the strategies for making a speech more interesting and/or entertaining? How are multimedia equipment and supporting materials used in a speech?

Terms to Know APA body conclusion icebreaker introduction style vocal variety

Preparing Speech Material Effective speakers organize their material so it develops a specific purpose and stimulates interest in the speech.

Selecting a Topic Selecting a topic is the first step in preparing a speech. Select a topic appropriate to the audience. Do not try to cover the entire topic area. Instead, choose one aspect and expand upon it. Pinpoint the topic using accurate facts and information.

Collect Information Next, collect information. Find current materials as resources for information. Use the local library or bookstore. Search the Internet for information as well. Pamphlets and research reports can be obtained from universities or research stations. Record information on note cards or a computer.

Develop an Outline An outline should be developed as the framework of a speech. Most outlines are organized into three major parts: Introduction Body Conclusion

Outline: The Introduction The introduction is the first part of a speech that grabs attention and explains the purpose of the speech. It sets the stage for the rest of the presentation Seven techniques can be used to create interest: references to a common place or occasion, compliments, dramatic statements, questions, stories, personal experiences, and quotations.

Outline: The Body The body is the main information a speaker wants to convey. Limit the body to two to four main points. The points are major topics in the outline. Put the information in a pattern that the audience will recognize.

Outline: The Conclusion The conclusion is the part that summarizes and reviews the content of a speech. This should reminds the audience of the specific purpose of a speech. It should leave the audience in the proper frame of mind and should provide closure.

Properly Citing a Speech APA is a citation style that refers to the rules established by the American Psychological Association for citing sources in research papers, lab reports, and scientific journals.

Properly Citing a Speech Papers should : Be Typed, double-spaced on standard-size paper (8.5" × 11"), with 1-inch margins on all sides. Have a clear and easily readable font, APA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman font. Have four major sections: the title page, abstract, main body, and references.

Properly Citing a Speech The title page should contain The title of the paper The author’s name The organization/institution

Properly Citing a Speech The abstract of the paper should contain: A header The abstract title A concise summary of the document Any keywords from research

Properly Citing a Speech The main body of the paper should have A header In-text citations

Properly Citing a Speech The reference page must contain all references cited in the text of the research paper.

Properly Citing a Speech Numerous ways exist to cite multiple references (e.g., online sources, journals, magazine, interviews, and motion pictures). The use of an online source or guide is recommended when formatting a research paper in APA format.

Strategies Four strategies will assist in making a speech more entertaining and interesting to the audience.

Icebreaker Open your speech with an icebreaker - an opening remark or action designed to elicit an emotional response from the audience. Connect with the audience on a personal level by using laughter, drawing comparisons, telling a personal story, or using a shocking statistic. Keep the icebreaker short and to the point. Avoid controversial topics (e.g., religion and race).

Simplicity Maintain simplicity in your speech. Keeping your speech simple and on point will avoid long, drawn out monologues that will cause the audience to lose interest.

Style Engage the audience using effective style. The style, or choice of wording, is important when delivering your speech. Use language appropriate for the occasion. Understanding the audience and their expectations will ensure your word choice is appropriate. Use vivid language, but avoid exaggeration Use a positive tone and word choice.

Vocal Variety To emphasize your points, use vocal variety - the varying of inflection, volume, and/or intensity of your voice. To draw attention to certain points: Increase or decrease the volume of your voice Slow the rate of delivery Alter your tone to use inflection

Supporting Materials The use of multimedia equipment and supporting materials can illustrate and emphasize the key points in the speech and/or presentation. Several types of devices can be used to strengthen speech. Handouts Videos PowerPoints

Handouts Handouts are paper copies of the key points of a presentation. Essential if the presentation contains complex graphs & charts. Can be distracting Takes time to be distributed to the audience

Videos Videos can be incorporated into presentations to gain audience interest and for detailed training purposes. Can be used as attention getters or transitions between key points Videos used for training purposes are often complex and can be monotonous Use caution to keep the attention of your audience during videos lasting several minutes.

PowerPoint The use of PowerPoint is common when presenting. Key factors: Use big, simple fonts to read from a distance. Use contrasting colors. Avoid busy backgrounds because a simple background will make the text easier to read. Use progressive building—gradually adding information to slides—to maintain audience interest.

Review Questions What is the first step to planning a speech? What is APA? What technique might be used in a speech to emphasize points? Explain when videos might create an issue with an audience during a speech.