Public Speaking Handbook Personal Use Ebook

Ebook Sample Content Preview:

After you’ve written down the bones of your speech, it’s time to go back for the next step which is polishing up what you’ve already written and making sure the transitions from one thought to the next are smooth and clear.

Most speakers (writers included) often assume that their audiences can follow our jumps from one subject to the next - change of thoughts, times or places. You’ll need to look at the transitions in your speech with an eagle’s eye and make sure you’ve clearly transitioned from one thought to another.

Transitioning should happen between the main points you’re making and also after the introduction (into the main body of the speech) and going into the conclusion. Your speech should be all-inclusive and not jump from one point to another without the clear transitioning.

To make a clear transition, you might use wording that includes an example that segues into the next thought or point. It’s important that you don’t lose your audience by confusing them about your subject.

A great speech isn’t written all at one time. It usually takes a few rounds of editing and reviewing before it’s ready to practice on the delivery portion.

The Cycle of Editing Your Speech

When you go over the first draft to make necessary changes, you’re “editing.” Then, you’ll revise your speech, which means that you’ll be implementing the changes you’ve made and finalizing the draft.

Writing down the bones of your speech lets you write down anything and everything that comes to mind about the subject. No editing is allowed in the first draft because it lets your creativity flow as it should - without pausing and possibly losing a great thought.

When editing, you should consider the vocabulary you’re implementing. Ask yourself if it’s the appropriate vocabulary for your audience. For example, will the wording be too basic or way over their heads.

Timing is everything. As you continue to edit and revise your speech, keep in mind your allotted time. If you come to a point where you wonder if you’ve hit the end mark or should keep writing, take some time to set the timer and read aloud what you already have. Be sure to pause for effect and not run rapidly through the speech.

Also, fine comb your speech by asking yourself if it makes sense. You may want to have another person look at the speech after you’ve done a bit of editing and revisions, but before you finalize it. It’s always good to have a different viewpoint.

What if You Get Writer’s Block?

It happens to the best of writers - you sit down with your pad and pencil or computer and your mind suddenly goes blank. No words come for minutes or even hours. It’s a traumatic time for any writer, but it’s natural and you shouldn’t panic.

People approach writer’s block in different ways. Some just continue writing. It could be just gibberish, but the act of keeping the pencil or keyboard hot can spur thoughts for some people.

With others, it helps to get some exercise or take a break to meditate for awhile. Having lunch with a friend or any number of things to get your mind off of the speech you’re writing can be effective to get back your inspiration and carry on.

The Best Ways to Practice Your Speech

Your speech writing is finished! Now, take as much time as you need to practice your speech before presenting it to your audience. There’s an old joke that goes, “How did you make it to Carnegie Hall?” Answer: “Practice!”

First, you’ll need to know how you’re going to present the speech you’ve prepared. Are you going to read it word for word, memorize the entire speech or use note cards or an outline for reminders?

Keep in mind that reading your speech verbatim can be boring to your audience. It’s true you’ll have the entire speech in front of you and won’t leave out anything by mistake, but you’re not really engaging with your audience when you’re reading the speech.

It may be difficult to memorize the speech, but it will give you an advantage of being sure you won’t leave out key points and can still appear relaxed and natural. Using notes while delivering your speech seems more unrehearsed and more real and accepting you’re your audience.

You choose what works best for you, but after you decide, pay attention to these key points of practicing and delivering your speech:

Practice the delivery of your speech in front of a mirror and with a recorder. No method can give you a truer picture of how you look and sound when you’re delivering a speech. This method is especially helpful if you’re not used to public speaking and are jittery about giving the speech.

Body language and other important details. No matter how well your speech is written and how much work and time you spent on it, the details of how you dress, enunciate your words and the effectiveness of your body language is an important part of how the audience accepts you as an expert.

Practice in front of others. Gather a group or a person to listen to your speech and give you feedback on how you did and their suggestions about how to improve the delivery (and the speech).

Smile! Be sincere and amusing in both the writing style and delivery of your speech. Your audience can immediately decipher if you’re happy to be speaking in front of them or would rather be anywhere else.

Practice eloquence in the delivery of your speech. It’s an art that the most popular and sought after speakers know and practice for every speech they give. Also, be the devil’s advocate and step back from the speech to determine if what you’ve said makes sense and if there’s any part of your delivery technique that needs to be honed.

Exercises for Chapter 4 - Editing and Practicing for Timing

Editing and securing the perfect timing for your speech are the final touches on the finished product. It’s important that you edit and revise until you consider the writing to be the best you can manage and that you practice the delivery of your speech until your nerves are calmed and you feel secure that you’ve got it right in every way.

• File Size:5,572 KB
• License: Personal Use
• Category:Ebooks
• Tags:2014 Ebooks Personal Use