Guide for Speech

The following guide to speech will break speech into elements which will be developed as follows:

• Content – Types of speeches
• Organization – How should a speech be structured
• Mechanics – Physical mannerisms associated with speech
• Style – The speakers impact as a product of humour, spontaneity, language, originality and poise
• Good Speech – Breathing, posture, neck muscles, lower jaw, lips and tongue exercises.

Content

Speakers generally have a number of purposes:

• To inform – by imparting a body of knowledge.
• To persuade – by trying to convince the audience that the speakers advocacy is desirable.
• To entertain – by pleasing and amusing the audience.

The Speech to Inform

Careful preparation is essential – keep your purpose clearly in mind before you commence preparation. Have the needs and background of the audience in mind when you prepare and keep the explanation simple when you deliver the speech. Watch your audience carefully for a reaction. If people are not understanding — and you can usually tell — be prepared to slow down, rearrange, simplify, omit or repeat in order to achieve your objective of audience understanding.

Do not attempt to give too much information and avoid lengthy use of statistics or other data which are more suitably presented in written rather than oral form.

The Speech to Persuade

Research your material completely and find evidence, other than your own opinion, to support the points you are making. Rely on reason, logic, and evidence rather than emotion alone to persuade your audience. Find authorities – experts in the field you are discussing who support your point of view.

Your concern on all occasions should be “the truth”. If you believe in a cause and want to persuade others to agree with you, avoid distortions, misquotations, evidence and quotations taken out of context or anything else which detracts from the honesty and sincerity with which the speech is to be delivered

The Speech to Entertain

Entertaining speeches require the same detail of preparation as others. One can be humorous and entertaining while still having a serious, worthwhile message. Humour used should be relevant and suited to the audience.

You can entertain just as well with a witty choice of words and style of presentation as with a joke. Wit can be used effectively in almost any kind of speech. Be careful with sarcasm; there is a fine line between sarcasm which is humorous and sarcasm which is insulting and/or condescending.

Remember! Determine your desired response before you begin.

When competing in a speech event, you should: choose a subject that suits you; choose a subject that suits your audience; choose a subject that suits the occasion; choose a subject that suits the time allowance.

Organization

Generally speaking there are three parts to every speech.

• The Introduction
• The Body
• The Conclusion

Before proceeding, some consideration should be given to the issue of originality.

Beginner speakers are sometimes instructed that the three parts of a speech should: tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them, then; tell them what you told them.

The beginner speaker may find this “prescriptive” approach useful and it must be said that there are instances where this approach can work. There is, however, a danger of formal speech making and lack of originality.

Speeches intended to entertain rarely follow this simplistic format. They become very boring if they do. In fact, most speeches that follow this format have an element of boredom because they are too predictable, but they can be very instructive, if that is the intention of the speaker.

Introduction

Your introduction can be used to gain attention, give attention, give a favourable impression of yourself, create the right state of mind in your listeners, lead into the subject, state the central idea or indicate the division to be developed. You may wish to:

• Explain the terms being used and offer qualification / limitations when needed;
• Begin with a personal experience designed to identify with the listeners;
• Ask a question or series of questions;
• State a relevant quotation;
• Challenge your audience with a startling statement;
• Amuse your audience; and
• Some or all of the above.

Body

The most important part of the speech is the body. How you structure the body depends on your purpose. Are you trying to entertain, to persuade, or to inform?

There are seven structures which you should consider:

• Logical or topical;
• Chronological;
• Spatial;
• Classification;
• Problem – Solution;
• Cause – Effect; and
• A Combination of any of the above.

The following descriptions are quoted from Getting Started in Public Speaking, by James Payne and Diana Prestice, National Textbook Company, 1985, Lincolnwood.

Logical or Topical Order

Logical or topical organization is one of the most common patterns. It is especially useful for informative and entertainment speeches. This pattern is used when you have several ideas to present and one idea seems naturally to precede the other. A speech about the benefits of exercise would fit this category. You might include the following ideas in this order:

• Physical benefits
  • Cardiovascular strength
  • Muscle tone
  • Weight loss
• Mental benefits
  • You are more alert
  • You feel better about yourself

Since we consider exercise to be for the body, it seems more logical to begin with the physical benefits of exercise. There is no reason, however, why you could not reverse 1 and 2, but they seem to fit more logically in the order presented.

Chronological Order

Another word for chronological is time. The pattern of chronological order organizes by using time sequence as a framework. Two of the examples in “Picture This…” used a time sequence as the organizing principle. This type of pattern is useful in informative speeches or in persuasive speeches which require background information on a problem or issue. A speech on the history of baseball could use a chronological sequence. You would begin with the invention of the game and follow rule changes until the present day. Chronological order is also useful for a process or demonstration speech. Each of these speeches involves explanation of how to do something. In a process speech, you explain but actually do not show how to do what you are explaining. In a demonstration, you explain by showing. For the demonstration to make sense, you must follow the order in which things are done.

Spatial Order

Spatial order involves physical space. If you were to describe your classroom, you might describe what is found in the front of the room, the back, the sides, and the center. Dividing material according to spaces in the room would use spatial order. Many television reporters use spatial order. The national weather report is usually given according to regions of the country. A weather reporter does not randomly skip from one city to another.

Spatial order is often used in informative speeches and, depending upon the topic, it is appropriate for entertainment speeches. Use this organizational pattern whenever physical space is involved. Section material by floors, parts of a room, geographical region, etc.

Classification

Classification order requires you to put things into categories or classes. Students are distinguished by their year in school. This is a type of classification. The example of describing the rooms in the school according to their purpose was a type of classification. This pattern is useful for all three speech purposes. Solutions to problems can be categorized according to type. Information is easily given by classifying ideas. This lesson, for example, uses a classification system to explain organizational patterns.

Problem-Solution Order

Most often speakers use problem-solution order for persuasive speeches. The first part of such a speech outlines a problem, and the second part gives a solution. Within a problem- solution pattern you will find other types of organization. The problem section of the speech might be organized using a logical sequence. The solution stage could involve classification. As a persuader, you would select one solution and present arguments for why it is the best option. A speech about the decline of educational quality in the United States would include a section outlining the problems in U.S. schools, and the next section would suggest ways to solve them.

Cause–Effect Order

The cause-effect pattern, like the problem-solution pattern, has two parts. The first describes the cause of a problem and the second its effects. You could organize a speech on toxic waste pollution by using a cause- effect pattern. The first part of the speech might explain how and why toxic wastes cause environmental damage. The second part would discuss the effects of toxic wastes on property and health. As with the problem-solution speech, other forms of organization are usually incorporated into the major sections.

Conclusion

The conclusion should end the presentation on a high note and should, as much as possible, relate back to the introduction.

During the conclusion, you should:

• Make the audience aware that the speech is drawing to a close;
• Leave no doubt in your audience’s mind about the concept or process you are trying to explain, the belief you have tried to establish, or the action you wish the audience to take;
• Leave the audience with something to remember.

A Basic Rule

You will have less difficulty if you observe three basic rules: KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY, KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY; and KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY.

Mechanics

The term mechanics refers to the physical mannerisms of the speaker and his or her voice. How your body moves, what you look at and how you modulate your voice can drastically alter the impact of your speech.

Stance

• Stand firmly on two feet – do not lean, slouch or tilt.
• Avoid leaning on chairs, tables, etc.
• Males – hands out of the pockets looks best.
• Hands – best clasped in front of you, moving them for useful and effective gesturing when necessary.
• Use of a lectern – use only when you have to rely on notes. Avoid its use when possible by moving it away or stepping in front of it.

Appearance

Dress neatly. Appearance and dress can influence your audience no matter who is in attendance. All contestants will wear C-2 Standard Duty Dress with no accoutrements (i.e. lanyard, white belt, gaiters, etc.) to be worn. Wedge should be worn to the podium, then removed and placed on the podium for the duration of the speech.

Eye Contact

Do not look at only one or two people or only at one side of your audience. Yours eyes should constantly rove over the entire group.

Watch the audience carefully for reactions – you should be able to easily detect boredom, lack of understanding, interest or annoyance.

Do not keep your eyes glued to notes or read notes at length – this is a certain way to lose the attention of your audience.

Volume

Speak loudly enough for all to clearly hear. Do not be afraid to use extra volume to emphasize, but lowering your voice to barely a whisper can be effective as a technique for emphasis, providing you have the full attention of your audience to start with.

In general, vary the volume according to what you want to stress.

Pace of Speaking

Strive for a good rhythm. Avoid speaking too fast or too slow.

Pause

The finest speakers use pauses to emphasize something. The pause can be in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Practice the effective use of pauses and listen to the way good speakers use them

Facial Expression

You can do a great deal with your eyes and smile; a smile early in your speech can do wonders. Set the mood of your talk or parts of it with the way you look at the audience.

Gestures

Emphasis and expression with the hands is another technique found with all good speakers. However, speakers are advised to be judicious with the use of gestures. A few, careful, non-offensive gestures may enhance a speech provided they are purposeful and pertinent to the point the speaker is attempting to make. Overuse will simply detract from the speech.

Instinctive conversational gestures may reduce the presentation from a speech to a chat. The posture of a good speaker is generally erect, with hands to the sides or in front, or even to the sides of the podium. Only rarely and for good effect should gestures be included. Any gestures used should be relevant, non- mechanical, non-repetitive and varied. They should never be distracting or annoying.

Nervousness

Nervousness may be reduced or controlled by:

• Knowing what you are going to say. Thorough preparation reduces nervousness.
• Memorizing your opening words.
• Taking a few deep breaths before standing to speak.
• Looking at your audience – avoiding their eyes causes nervousness buildup.
• Knowing your audience in advance. Talking to them informally and socially if possible before you begin.
• Relaxing in the knowledge that every speaker is nervous.

Notes

Do not use cumbersome distracting sheets of paper, small cards are recommended.

If you do not use a podium, do not hold cards low or rest them on a table. Do not worry about people knowing that you need to rely on notes – it is better for your head to be up so that your voice can carry.

Style

Style is a difficult thing to describe. Style involves elements of content and speech mechanics, but there is more to it. Let’s suppose two people are given an outline of a speech and both are good speakers, aware of good speech mechanics. Let’s say that both give a good speech, likely the speech would be different. A large part of this difference would be style. Style includes such elements as:

Humour and Wit

Entertaining speeches require careful preparation. One can be humorous and entertaining and still have a serious and worthwhile message. Keep your humour relevant and suited to the audience. You can entertain just as well with a witty choice of words, and style of presentation as with a joke.

Spontaneity

Do not feel you have to keep to a carefully prepared script. If new and relevant thoughts occur, you can make use of them. The speaker should try to be sensitive to the mood of the audience and try to modify his or her presentation to get a positive reaction from the audience.

Suitability of Language

The language used should be appropriate for the age and experience of the audience and suitable for the topic.

Originality

The treatment of the subject and the technique of presentation should be original (without being gimmicky).

Poise

Be relaxed, comfortable, self-assured, and in control.

Good Speech

Speaking is a bit like running; how you breathe makes a difference, and there are exercises which can improve your performance:

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is probably the most important thing you can learn about using your voice. It will give you control and produce a buoyant, well supported sound. The diaphragm is the chief source of vocal motive power. It is the flat muscle that divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Muscles around the waist and under the ribs in the solar plexus area also play an important part.

Mechanics of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Place the palm of your hand on the muscles in the solar plexus area. (The area below your ribs, but above your stomach, where the muscles of your abdomen and diaphragm meet.) Take a deep, even breath. Feel bellows move outward. Blow air out in a smooth, even stream. As the hand moves inward, the diaphragm pushes up, and the stream of air moves out the top, smoothly and evenly. There should not be any movement in the upper chest.