Giving a Speech

Can you recognize these famous ORATORS? Queen Elizabeth I PLAY (for 15 seconds or so) Not real person, obviously

Can you recognize these famous ORATORS? Abraham Lincoln President of the United States PLAY (for 25 seconds or so) Not real person, obviously

Can you recognize these famous ORATORS? John F. Kennedy President of the United States PLAY (from 1.30 seconds)

Can you recognize these famous ORATORS? Winston Churchill British Prime Minister PLAY

Can you recognize these famous ORATORS? Martin Luther King jr. PLAY

Why learn how to give a speech? School: talking in class, giving speeches (duh), university application interviews Job: presentations, meetings, interviews, etc. Personal Interactions: making friends, dating Personal Events: parties, awards ceremonies, weddings, funerals

Structure of a Speech

Get Their Attention Don’t be boring! Start with a HOOK -- just like you would in an essay or article. – Tell a story – Use a surprising fact or make a strange statement – Use a famous quotation or misquotation

Tell Them the Topic People have trouble focusing. Start with topic – this will help ensure that they are paying attention. You only get one chance – your audience can’t go back and check what you said like when reading – For example: Today I am going to tell you why we need to end the use of guns in America.

End with Power People remember excitement what you have said unless it is different/more interesting than everything else they have heard. Make it thrilling Give them hope or a warning. – For example: Together we can protect our children from any danger. We must protect our children if we want to protect our future.

Steps Write down your speech – the WHOLE thing Read it out loud – Time – it will tell you how long it is – Problems – it will help you hear problems with the language

Steps Mark your script – it is a script, just like in a play; – underline important parts where you want to speak differently – slower, louder, etc. – Put symbols for emotion – label funny parts, sad/serious parts, so that you can speak correctly – Pronunciation – write down the how to pronounce difficult words. – Mark pauses – you should pause sometimes in your speech (this gives people time to think)

This is an example of a marked script. It is from the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. Can you tell by the marks how it was read? And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. PLAY

Delivery Slow down – people who are nervous, talk too quickly, your audience won’t understand you. Speak loudly – talk to the whole room, not to the paper in front of you. Look at people – making eye contact will help your audience connect to what you are saying. Smile – smile at the right moments

Tips One idea – people can’t remember a lot, give them 1 or 2 ideas and explain them Casual – write like you talk, keep it conversational – Use short & simple sentences – Use contractions (don’t, can’t, I’m, etc) – No fancy words – Sometimes use improper English

Don’t forget… Know your Quotes PLAY

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