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The introduction serves several purposes: greeting

your audience, getting their attention, capturing
their interest and introducing your topic. An
effective introduction might ask a question, tell an
amusing story or give a surprising or startling fact.
Whichever way you start, it sets the tone of your
speech. The body of your speech should directly
relate to the topic you have just introduced.



Think of a sentence that will make it clear to the
audience that you are finished the body and are
now coming to the end of your speech.
Summarize your main ideas and think of which
piece of information you really want your
audience to remember. Do not introduce anything
new at this point. Think of a final sentence to help
your audience remember your speech or to call
your audience to action.
Expect that you will need to reread, edit and
proofread your speech several times to ensure it
sounds right and makes sense. As mentioned
previously, you may need to add or delete
material to meet the required length, set out by
your teacher. Memorization is the next step.

Fine Tuning and
Presentation Skills
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Students in a variety of grades
are often asked to write and
deliver speeches. Junior and
Intermediate speeches are
usually 3 - 5 minutes long and
Senior speeches are usually 5 -
8 minutes long. About 150 written words equals
one minute of oral speech. Speeches have different
purposes: to entertain, to inform or to convince
or persuade. Beginners are encouraged to write
about a topic they know well, for instance, a
hobby, a sport, something theyve seen or learned
on a holiday or trip, a school issue, an admirable
person, character or relative, an animal or pet or a
community or world issue in which they are
interested. It is always wise to choose a topic that
will interest your audience, although topics
relating to religion or politics are unacceptable.
More experienced speech writers will choose an
organizational pattern specific to the information
they have and the purpose they want to achieve.
There are 5 basic patterns for organizing a speech:
Topical: - when you divide your main idea into
several subtopics, which can also be presented in
order of importance.
Chronological: - a series of events or steps in a
process, a timeline.
Journalistic Questions: - who, what, when,
where, why and how?
Problem-Solution: - analyze a problem, explain
the causes and propose a solution. Eliminating
alternative solutions in favour of a desired solution
may also be a form of this kind of speech.
Motivational: - gaining the audiences attention
by focusing on an unmet need, proposing a
solution, visualizing how the solution would serve
the need and calling for action to put the solution
into effect.
Start by Brainstorming, or writing down as many
ideas as you can about your topic. Dont erase
anything as you can always eliminate points that
dont fit later. Depending on your topic, some
research may be necessary. Your speech will be
organized into 3 main sections: an introduction,
a body and a conclusion. You may want to start
with the body, as it is easier to write the
introduction and conclusion when you know what
you are saying in the body of your speech. From
your brainstorm, determine the key points you
want to make in your speech. A paragraph can be
written by stating the point or the idea, sharing
ideas that support the main point and giving
details or examples and possibly concluding why
that point is important. Your points should flow
into each other or follow a logical progression. As
this is your rough copy, expect to revise,
reorganize and rewrite it a few times until it seems
just right. Points may need to be added or deleted
in order to shorten or lengthen the speech to meet
the required time allotment.

Now that youve picked your
topic, the writing begins.
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Speaking aloud is a performing art. The speaker
must bring some enthusiasm and energy to their
delivery in order to be effective. This is why it is
essential that you begin early, as you will need half
of your preparation time to memorize and refine
your oral presentation. While some teachers may
allow cue cards, it is important that you do not
write your whole speech on the cards, as they are
only intended for key points or main ideas. If you
are familiar with your speech, you may not need to
refer to your cards at all. Research has proven that
courage and confidence improve after regular
practice. Recite your speech in front of the mirror
and if possible, get a friend or a family member to
video tape you so you can see your presenting
style. By looking at yourself, you can identify what
is working well and what needs to be improved
upon. You may also ask parents and friends to
discuss improvements with you. In addition to the
content and quality of your speech, you may also
be evaluated on some of these points:
Voice/Volume - the audience must be able to hear
you at all times.
Clarity - words must be spoken clearly, no
mumbling.
Expression -make your voice exciting and
interesting, you want to awaken interest and not put
people to sleep.

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So Youve Been
Asked To Write
A Speech: A
Practical Guide
For Getting
Started
Oral presentations are a normal expectation for most
Junior and Intermediate students, but most people
express real fears or dislikes about speaking in front of
others. While this guide wont get rid of those
butterflies in your stomach, it will help you to
understand the organization needed to create a good
speech and provide you with tips to make your
delivery effective. Since practice is a key component
to a smooth and confident delivery, our number one
piece of advice is start early! Of course you should
always follow your teachers expectations and
evaluation information. Heres how to get started.
Speed or Pace - youll want to speak just a little
slower than normal conversation as your listeners
need time to process and absorb what is being said.
If you speak too quickly, your audience will not be
able to follow.
Eye Contact - looking at your audience involves
your listeners, indicates you have something
meaningful to say, lets them know that you know
what youre talking about and that you are well
prepared.
Body Language - practice will allow you to create
appropriate hand and arm gestures which will
enhance your speech. Fidgeting and rocking back
and forth are undesirable behaviours during
speeches.
Questioning - some teachers require that students
answer a few questions after presenting their
speech. Giving a complete, informed and
thoughtful answer, (more than just a yes, no or
I dont know) shows that you know your topic
and are confident stating an opinion. Use it as an
opportunity to share new information that you did
not include in your speech.
This should give you enough
information to get started.
Remember your delivery is as
important as your content,
therefore, start early to give
yourself lots of practice time.
Goodluck!
References
http://www.nsknet.or.jp
http://www.abacon.com
www.xlibris.com/BasicPublicSpeaking.html
Choi, E. Y., Student Fear Number One: Presenting,
Gifted Child Today. Mobile: Jul/Aug 1998.