1. Communications How to Write a Speech
Communications
How to Write a Speech
Welcome to the Manitoba 4-H Council’s Canned Presentation Series: Communications – How to Write a Speech. This is a basic presentation, geared towards 8 – 12 year olds. This presentation is based on Manitoba 4-H Council’s 4-H Communications Fact Sheet Series, available from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development offices.
This presentation is designed as a 30 minute workshop (including activities) for 4-H clubs or Districts. While each of the presentations are independent, they build upon one another to make a series.
Please feel free to adapt the examples of activities provided, to specific situations, based on your knowledge of the group. You may also need to find new activities if presenting the workshop to the same group. Activities included in the workshop are taken from; the Quality Equation Club Pack, 4-H Club Discovery Zone and the Quality Equation Binder. You can refer to these resources for additional ideas of activities.
**Some activities require supplies or copies. Be sure to read through the presentation before delivering it.**
Relevant quotes are included in each. They may be used; as discussion starters, posted on the wall or handed out to members for their manuals. Additional information may be provided as “Presenter’s Notes”. These are meant to further explain or suggest ways to enhance the workshop. Add your own notes and comments to assist you in delivering these workshops.

2. Anatomy of a Speech Introduction Body Conclusion
Catch the audience’s attention
Clearly state the topic and objective
Greet the chairperson, judges and audience
Body
Where the message is delivered
Three or four main points developed with facts, examples or stories
Read in a logical order
Conclusion
Review the contents of the speech
Connects to the introduction
Anatomy of a Speech
Introduction
Should catch the audience’s attention
The speaker should clearly state the topic and objective.
The chairperson, judges and audience should be greeted.
Should take 1/5 of the time.
Body
Is where the message is delivered
Should take about 3/5 of the time.
The body must build the objectives with three or four main points that are developed with facts, examples or stories.
Conclusion
Review all of the contents of the speech in a tidy, concise manner.
“Thank you” should not be included in the last remarks.
Should take about 1/5 of the time
Connects to the introduction and closes the speech.

3. How to Start Writing a Speech?
Getting Started…
What will I talk about?
Pick a topic
What will I say?
Brainstorm
How will I say it?
Get Organized
Getting Started . . .
Pick a topic
It should be interesting and fairly specific
Brainstorm
Choose a theme. This limits what you will talk about and helps guide what information, ideas, stories, and humor that will be shared.
On a piece of paper brainstorm what you can say about the topic you have chosen. Write down everything you can edit later.
Get Organized
Organize your brainstormed ideas into logical groupings. Think about what order you should put everything.
You may choose to organize the information in a chart, mind-mapping, outline, or using jot notes.
Ask yourself if there are any gaps in your topic that need filled.

4. Start Writing… A good speech includes:
an appropriate topic and catchy title
logical layout of information
good choice of words - descriptive and age appropriate
correct grammar
a strong message that leaves a lasting impression
the right length of time
Start Writing. . .
Keep in mind while you are writing your speech what the judges will be looking for. A good speech includes:
An appropriate topic and catchy title.
Logical layout of information.
Good choice of words that are descriptive and age appropriate.
Correct grammar.
A strong message that leaves a lasting impression.
The right length of time – not too long or too short.
Remember that it is a lot easier to write a speech that is too long and cut it down than it is to add on to it after you have presented it and found it was too short. Check the time limits in the 4-H Communications Guidelines and practise so you know how long it will need to be when you deliver it.
Note: it is a lot easier to write a speech that is too long and cut it down that it is to add onto it after.

5. The Finishing Touches…
Read your speech many times, each time making any changes you think it needs. Read it . . .
aloud to yourself
aloud to your family or friends
and time it
and add expression
in front of the mirror
and tape yourself
Once you have it just right, neatly print a good copy onto recipe cards
Keep practicing!
The Finishing Touches…
Read your speech many times, each time making any changes you think it needs. You could…
Read it aloud to yourself.
Read it aloud to your family or friends.
Time it when you read.
Read it and add expression.
Read in front of the mirror.
Tape yourself reading it.
Get someone else to read it to see how it sounds.
Once you have it just right, neatly print a good copy onto recipe cards. You can add little side notes to remind yourself you use expression or look up.
Keep practicing!
NOTE: Make sure that your greeting is appropriate to the time of day you are presenting. It may need to change as you move up in competition. Example: Good morning vs. good afternoon.

6. “Mini Speech” No matter how long your speech is;
Activity Time!
“Mini Speech”
No matter how long your speech is;
the concepts are the same. You need:
a catchy introduction
a clear body
a strong conclusion
Today we are going to practice with a “Mini Speech”.
Presenter’s Notes:
Break the group into teams of 3.
Assign each person a role; recorder, presenter, timer.
Give each group a simple topic. They will have 10 minutes to come up with a 1 minute speech about their topic. Their speech should have a catchy introduction, well organized body and strong conclusion.
Example topics; how to pick a 4-H project, how to wrap a present, how to make a sandwich, how to saddle a horse, etc.
Remind them that they need to leave time to practice and time their speech.
The presenters in the group will then read their groups speech to the large group.

7. Discussion: What was easy about the Mini Speech activity?
Would it be easier or harder without a group
to work with?
Discussion:
What was easy about the Mini Speech activity?
Would it be easier or harder without a group to work with?

8. “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”
~Mark Twain
There are many other public speaking resources to help 4-H members practice.
4-H Club Discovery Zone – has a whole section of activities related to communications
Quality Equation Club Pack – has a variety of activities. To find them, look for the key word, Communication on the cross reference chart at the front of the book.
Manitoba 4-H Council’s 4-H Communication Fact Sheet series