ECE 101

PUBLIC SPEAKING

I. Introduction

- introduce yourself

- acknowledge the presence of noted persons, individuals, etc.

- tell the audience the topic of your speech

II. History

- describe any past or current events related to the topic of your speech

- tell of other people who might have spoken on the topic of your speech

III. Body

- restate the topic of your speech

- while delivering the speech, focus on the back of the room

- do not look at any one person in the audience for more that 2-3 seconds

- keep body movements to a minimum

- raise your voice to emphasize key points while talking slowly

IV. Summary or Wrap-up

- restate the topic of your speech

- remind the audience of the key points of your speech

- if possible, prioritize the key points in order of importance or significance

- thank the audience for their time and patience exhibited during the speech

- (if appropriate, entertain questions from the audience)

V. Types of Speeches

- Ice Breaker: a short 2-3 minute speech given in response to an immediate given topic

- Narrative: a speech where the speaker is essentially telling a story or creating a

situation

- Oration or Oratory: a speech in which the speaker’s intention is to educate the

audience

VI. Debating

- outline key areas of your position

- listen intently to the position(s) of your opponents

- respond directly to those positions of your opponents

- defend your own positions citing the superior qualities of your stance to those of

your opponents’

- be prepared to provide a complete summary of the issues discussed at the close of

the debate

VII. Appearance

- wear clothes that will impress but not distract your audience from listening to

you speak

- be well groomed and appear “clean”

- never make any accuses for the way you are dressed or look