Comments to: crs@uvm.eduReviewed as of 4/20/98
THIS DOCUMENT WAS PRODUCED BY THE NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM. IT IS POSTED BY THE CENTER FOR RURAL STUDIES FOR PUBLIC
USE. THE CENTER FOR RURAL STUDIES ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE CONTENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, REFER TO THE USERS GUIDE.
EXERCISE 6
Public Speaking
Not all leaders are in the public eye, and not all leaders are
called upon for public utterance. But the ability to express
thoughts verbally and before small or large gatherings of people is
an essential leadership skill, or rather a series of skills, which
can be learned, practiced and, over time, mastered.
Mastery doesn't mean, necessarily, that the butterflies ever
go away. But, after a while, the only way that an audience will
know about the butterflies is if you tell them! Because by acting
and behaving as though you were confident, sure of your subject,
and comfortable facing an audience, you will make your audience
believe it. Their reaction will reinforce you, helping you believe
it, too.
The following information and checklist may be helpful to you
prepare a speech or decide which specific skill you wish to
practice. The exercise that follows will help you integrate all
the skills and gain immediate feedback.
Some Hints For Effective Speaking in Public
A speaker should include the following steps in preparing the
talk.
þ Decide whether the purpose of the talk is to:
a) inform d) convince
b) entertain e) activate or stir to action
c) impress
Make plans to achieve the purpose. If there is no purpose, the
speaker is defeated before he/she begins.
þ Know what the topic is and be informed on the
subject. This usually is not too hard because a
speaker is generally asked to speak about a
familiar subject. Knowing the boundaries of the
topic helps keep the speaker out of another speak-
er's subject.
þ Do research. Speakers need to shop around for
ideas. They can talk with others, read, or listen
to conversations. Use the library. Confer with an
expert. Use past experiences.
þ Record all the findings. Then put them into your
own words. Make the talk your own ideas and
interpretations of the research rather than just a
collection of other people's ideas.
þ Outline the subject on paper, organizing it around
the three main parts of a talk:
Introduction - captures attention of audience, while
giving them an idea of subject and why it's
important. Keep it short.
Body - the substance of the talk. It should be
filled with facts and concrete illustrations. In
outlining, the basic points should be covered.
Illustrations, anecdotes, or stories may also be
used to clarify and to add sparkle.
Conclusion--a summary of the main points.
þ Practice what you plan to say after the outline is
done. There are many ways to practice: some prefer
going through the talk with an imaginary or real
audience; tape recorders can give a truthful
evaluation of a talk also.
þ Evaluate the talk before it is given. This is the
most important evaluation that is ever made of a
talk.
Giving a talk from a written script is like using a crutch.
A good speaker usually prefers speaking from an outline. Speaking
from a script may hamper delivery because one tends to read rather
than "speak" from notes. It may also cause the speaker to lose
contact with the audience.
In some instances it may be wise to write out a talk. For
example, if you have a tendency to wander, or if you want to repeat
what you have said, a script may be in order. The best advice for
a beginning speaker is to prepare an outline that covers the major
points and is easy to read. Refer to your notes, if necessary.
When you present the prepared talk, let your personality work.
Now is the test of preparation, not just of the talk to be made.
Personal appearance will be evaluated, too. Appropriate dress and
good grooming help make a positive self-image and will put you at
ease. Things to remember at this point include:
þ Pause just a few seconds and smile naturally to
relieve tension before speaking.
þ Stand erect with an easy stance, one foot slightly
forward. Remember not to lean on furniture or
slouch.
þ Address the presiding person and others. Recognize
the person who introduces you with proper remarks.
This helps to "break the ice" and overcome the
first nervous moments before the audience.
þ Speak distinctly so everyone can hear.
þ Be friendly. Use a conversational tone. Be sincere
and natural. Be confident.
þ Eye contact is imperative. Seek out the people in
the audience who can help you out--those who are
communicating with you through a smile, nod of
head, etc.
þ Gestures add emphasis and should be natural.
þ Avoid unnecessary sounds, such as "ah," "a'uh" and
"uh." How? Close your mouth while thinking what to
say next.
þ Use a good choice of words. Avoid worn out phrases.
Develop a good vocabulary and work for correct
pronounciation.
þ A low-pitched, well-moderated voice is the kind to
strive for. Try not to be monotonous. Listening
to your voice on a tape recorder is useful.
þ Think before you speak. Being able to "think on
your feet" is always an asset.
þ Communicate when you deliver the talk. The message
that counts is the message the audience receives or
thinks it receives. Make certain the communication
involves them--directly or indirectly.
þ When you are through, quit. There is no need to
thank the audience. You were invited to speak,
they should thank you.
Preparing a good talk is like planning a tasty meal. The com-
petent cook knows the vast amount of preliminary work that is
required. The courses must be planned, the food selected, the
dishes balanced for color and taste, the service neat and
attractive.
Like a successful meal, a good talk begins long in advance of
the finished product. It is influenced ty the sort of person you
are, your knowledge, your yearning to communicate, your mastery of
skills, your willingness to pay the price of work and practice. No
article, instructor, or textbook can make you an effective speaker;
they might tell you how to do it, but you must do it.
The Four-Minute Speak-Out and Feedback Session
Your assignment will be to prepare and deliver a four-minute
talk addressing two questions--who am I and what do I expect to
receive as a result of leadership training.
After your talk, your other participants will be asked to
complete the evaluation form that follows, rating your presentation
on:
þ content
þ delivery
þ use of sound equipment and visual aids
If possible, your talk will be captured on videotape so you
can evaluate your own performance.
Here are some hints to keep in mind when preparing your talk:
l. One purpose of this assignment is to help people learn more
about each other. It will help to build a network of resources.
2. It is also intended to help you feel more comfortable in front
of a large audience.
3. Your presentation will be evaluated by other participants. You
and only you will see the results of the evaluation.
4. Time your presentation ahead of time; four minutes goes by very
fast.
5. Try to relax and enjoy the opportunity to share with others some
things about yourself.
EVALUATION FORM
How did I do?
Speaker's name_____________________________________________________
What constructive suggestions do you have for the speaker?
Content:
Logically presented
Important points covered
Rambled
Omissions
Comments:
Delivery:
enthusiastic bored
excellent clarity couldn't understand
talked too loudly couldn't hear
used too many ah's, you know's used silence well
sincere not sincere
at ease nervous
made me anxious put me at ease
used notes well used notes poorly
no objectionable mannerisms had objectionable
mannerisms
stayed within time limit was too short/too long
Comments:
Use of sound equipment:
used it well "blew it"
as at ease with microphoneawkward
Comments:
Your feedback is intended to help the speaker assess personal
strengths and weaknesses before an audience. As an aid to the
speaker, please be honest and return your comments directly to
him/her. Thank you!
NERL/DKH 12/82
Revised 1987 REB
Introducing a Speaker
As often as we are called upon to give a talk, we are asked to
introduce someone else as speaker. A graceful, intelligent
introduction is a skill worth mastering. As you prepare to
introduce a speaker, remember that the audience needs to know the
following:
l. The name of the speaker; position/title
2. The topic to be addressed
3. The speaker's qualifications for this topic (not the entire
pedigree)
4. The "ground rules" for the presentation, for example:
þ length of presentation;
þ are questions encouraged during/after/not at all?
þ if there will be questions, how will they be
generated--large group, small group, written and
turned in for answering after a break?
þ any expectations for the audience to do something
with the presentation?
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
1. Review the biographical sketch which will be provided, before
the session. Arrange a time to talk with the speaker. Don't ask
the speaker what you should use in the introduction, rather ask for
specific qualifications for this topic.
2. You are there to facilitate the presentation.
3. You do not need to "tell a story" about the speaker unless it's
appropriate. Don't try to be funny for "funny's sake"; it
embarrasses the audience and the speaker.
4. Don't use "weasel words"; e.g., "I think you will be...", or "I
hope you will like...." Be positive! Say, "I know you will
benefit from...," or "You will enjoy...."
5. Don't introduce a speaker as being humorous, if he/she is, the
humor will become apparent soon enough. Often when introduced to
a humorous speaker, the audience folds their arms, clench their
teeth, and dare the speaker to make them laugh.
6. Don't dig a hole for the speaker to climb out of before reaching
an equal with the audience. You are supposed to set up the
speaker. Don't say "The speaker is from Maine, but we will do the
best we can anyway"; "The speaker is a rural sociologist and we all
know what that means"; "The speaker we really wanted couldn't make
it today, but Mr. Smith will try...."
7. Always keep the order of importance in mind: the audience and
the speaker. Remember the speaker is there for the audience and
not the other way around.
Public Speaking Guidelines
þ Have a good overall sense of the subject, and then
condense the major points into the speech. Elaborations
can be made in the discussions or during a question and
answer period.
þ Address comments directly to the needs and interests of
the group, even if this is a topic you present often;
it's important that group members feel this has been
tailored for them.
þ Use examples, research, and anecdotes to illustrate your
major points. People remember information best when it
is presented with either numbers or someone's personal
experience.
þ All statements must be true and able to be documented;
otherwise, any uncertainty or inability to quote sources
will destroy your credibility as a speaker.
þ Use descriptive and powerful words, and avoid filler
phrases that don't mean anything. Also use short
sentences and direct statements; people are most
attentive when you use simple language.
þ Make sure you are completely comfortable in your attire,
relaxed, and positive about the speech you are about to
give. You will set your audience at ease if you are
relaxed.
Decrease your anxiety the following ways:
þ Practice your speech by rehearsing with a mirror, then
with one or more listeners. Ask for feedback about both
content and delivery.
þ Memorize the first few sentences of your speech; starting
is the hardest part, but if you know exactly what you're
going to say, you'll find your rhythm quicker.
þ Before the actual speech, calm yourself with regular and
slow, deep breathing. You can also stretch or go for a
quick walk to relieve tension and nervous energy.
þ Find friends or sympathic-looking people in different
parts of the audience and look at them while you speak.
You will feel accepted by the group, and the audience
will appreciate your eye contact with them.
Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98