This document provides guidance for building an effective speech, including sections on: - Introducing the speech with the central thesis and previewing main points - Using a balanced structure with 3-5 main points of equal attention in the body - Concluding with a review and calling the audience to action without new information - Employing frequent transitions between sections to create a smooth flow - Incorporating varied evidence like examples, quotes, statistics, and visual aids - Rehearsing and being familiar with the presentation space and technology - Managing anxiety and mistakes, and fielding questions from the audience

1. Build a Balanced Speech Introduction-10% of the speech Gain audience attention via an example, quote, statistics or a visual aid State the Central Thesis (the main idea) Establish your credibility Identify with the audience and recognize the occasion Preview the main points, in the same order they will appear in the speech

2. Build a Balanced Speech (continued) Body-80% of the speech Use 3-5 main points Give balanced attention to each section Conclusion-10% of the speech This is a mirror image of introduction, with a review Refer back to the attention-getter in the introduction (e.g., a vivid example) Don’t introduce new information End with authority, and always on time

3. Employ Frequent Transitions Transitions help adult learners know what to expect Transitions link the main parts of the speech, and create a smooth flow Transitions can review, and then preview main points Transitions can be long or short Single words, phrases or sentences Numbers

4. Examples of Transitions “Now that we have reviewed the problem of homelessness, let’s examine three main causes…” “The second major problem is…” “Next, we will consider..” “That brings us to…” “The final point…”

5. Employ Humor With Care Where humor is concerned, there are no standards - no one can say what is good or bad, although you can be sure that everyone will! John Kenneth Galbraith

6. Use Varied and Multiple Types of Evidence and Support Examples Vivid success stories or brief scenarios Visual aids or models Expert testimony Quotes attributed to an expert enhance the speaker’s credibility Statistics Be sure to round off and interpret

7. There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics . Benjamin Disraeli

8. Statistics always remind me of the fellow who drowned in a river whose average depth was three feet. Woody Hayes Coach, Ohio State Football

9. Always provide people with a context to help them understand. Richard E. Moran

10. A talk is a voyage with a purpose, and it must be charted. The man who starts out going nowhere, generally gets there. Dale Carnegie

11. Strategically Choose Your Organizational Pattern(s) Chronological (in order of occurrence, as in a historical perspective) Topical (by subject) Spatial (by physical position, as in geographic) Problem-Cause-Solution Problem-Solution Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

12. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Attention Create interest in the problem Need Analyze problem characteristics and relate these to the audience needs Satisfaction Propose a course of action that eliminates the problem and satisfies audience needs, desires and wants

13. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence (continued) Visualization Verbally depict the world as it will exist if the plan is or is not instituted, and contrast these possibilities Action Call for audience commitment and action Be specific Monroe’s Motivated Sequence is commonly used in advertising to persuade…

14. Delivery Tips A speaker is always “on stage” They are “on” from moment they are announced, to the time they return to their place in the audience Pause before beginning Vary intonation A slightly faster pace increases audience comprehension Maintain good eye contact Assume a relaxed, open posture, with few self-adaptors/touch

15. (Sometimes, “less” is “more”) Talk low, talk slow and don’t say too much. John Wayne

16. The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. Mark Twain

17. To Minimize Anxiety Convert anxiety to presentational energy Recognize that mild arousal is normal Seek public speaking opportunities More speaking experience=less anxiety Avoid stimulants Eat and sleep enough Deep breathing, activity and relaxation may help

18. Practice the Presentation Rehearse Your emotional state Transitions (this is where many speakers experience the most difficulty) Introduction and Conclusion

19. Become Familiar With the Room Messages are perceived better in an attractive room Check-out the sound system and lighting Become familiar with audiovisual (AV) technologies Plan for water, pointer, etc.

20. Always Have A Back-Up Plan What if the AV fails? Have a lo-tech back-up What if your available time is diminished? Eliminate sub-points Don’t speed rate What if you misplace your speech? Keep an extra copy, or quickly construct an outline

21. FAQ’s What if I make a mistake? Remember that most speakers make them Correct it; humor is ok Move ahead Don’t apologize profusely or start over How can I avoid saying “Um?” Employ speaking transitions Tolerate silence

22. FAQ’s How can I slow down? Pause between sections. Stop at the end of sentences. Underline key words. Tape record your practice sessions and count the words per minute. Then, practice speaking at a deliberately slower rate to gain conscious control over rate.

23. FAQ’s What about eye contact? Don’t bob your head up and down Don’t fix your gaze at one person Look up at the end of a section, rather than lose your place, or train of thought Face the audience, not your slides Look more at friendly, supportive people Don’t favor one side of the room Increased eye contact increases audience learning

24. FAQ’s What do I do with my hands? Don’t play with your hair, clothes, objects or jingle money in your pockets Don’t worry about your gestures--they will emerge naturally Keep your hands on or near the podium, or at your sides. Don’t cross your arms, or clasp your hands in front of your body.

25. Audience Q&As Anticipate potential questions Draft answers Listen to the question Read the emotion Don’t get defensive and never embarrass an audience member Maintain an open and relaxed posture Admit to not having an answer “I really can’t speak to that; I will refer that concern to….”

26. I’m glad this question came up, in a way, because there are so many ways to answer it that one if them is bound to be right. Robert Benchley I was gratified to be able to answer promptly. I said, “I don’t know.” Mark Twain

27. In Closing Speaking in public represents an opportunity to enhance knowledge, change attitudes, and promote action Most importantly, strive to communicate with your audience and to meet their unique needs The speaker has a responsibility to communicate publicly in an informed and ethical manner

28. Source: Cohn, E. Public Speaking, University of Pittsburgh Center for Instructional Development & Distance Education, Fifth Edition, January 2001.