SERIES 4: HOW TO SAY IT

Objectives:

1. Select right word and sentence structure to communicate ideas clearly & vividly.

2. Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.

3. Eliminate jargon & unnecessary words. Use proper grammar.

Time: 5-7 minutes.

A clear purpose and effective organization are the foundations of any speech. Words communicate your message and affect how the audience perceives it. Clear, simple and vivid words add excitement to the presentation & stimulate the audience, while grammar and proper pronunciation give you credibility.

Write for the ear:

When you don’t understand a section of a book or magazine article, you can read it again and again until the meaning is clear. When you speak your listeners don’t have this luxury. What you say must be clear to the audience.

Repetition and simple, clear language help listeners remember points. If you want listeners to understand and accept you, be sure to speak the way they speak.

Construct the speech in an oral style, using the following:

Short words: In speaking, the most effective and memorable words are short comprising of a syllable. In fact short words are easier to follow and remember.

Short sentences: These are easier to say, understand and have more power and impact on audiences. Make sure you have included short sentences often in your speech.

Short paragraphs: A paragraph develops one idea or thought. When you limit your paragraphs to a few sentences, the audiences are more readily follow your logic. Pausing between paragraphs also give listeners time to “digest” what you’ve said.

Be specific:

Some words are general and have a number of meanings. You have to use concrete, specific words that communicate exactly what you mean. For example, the word criminal can mean a pickpocket, bank robber or murderer. Words like liberal and conservative may have a different meaning for every person in audience. As you prepare the speech, select words that leave no opportunity for misunderstanding.

Vivid words:

The words in your speech should appeal to the senses, helping the audience to see, hear, feel, taste and smell. Instead of saying, “this proposal will result in more money for our school” say, “this proposal will boost the school’s income by $15,000, enough to buy new textbooks and classroom supplies for the next year”.

Select verbs in your presentation carefully. Use verbs that have energy. Shake, roll and wiggle have more energy than move. Bellow, shout, whisper, screams or whine could replace speak.

Also remember to use active voice. It is advisable to minimize the usage of weak verbs like is, are, were and was.

Incorporate rhetorical devices:

They are the special ways of arranging words to make an idea or thought sound more pleasing and easier for listeners to remember. Some effective devices are:

Simile: it is a comparison that uses the words like or as.

Metaphor: it merely implies the comparison.

Alliteration: here the initial sounds in words or in stressed syllables within the words are repeated in a pleasing or memorable manner: “unnoticed and unused,” “hallowed halls,” “protect and preserve peace.”

Triads: ideas, adjectives and points are grouped in threes. Expressed in threes, thoughts have a pleasant rhythm, are dramatic, and become more memorable.

Use words economically:

Many words are unnecessary and are used as “fillers”. These fillers detract and dilute the message. Therefore a good speaker should strive to say in as few words as possible. For example, phrases such as you know; needless to say; it has been shown that can be eliminated. Some phrases, a large number of can be reduced to many, at the present time to now, in the event of to if, take into consideration reduced to consider etc.

Also take into consideration the usage of redundant words like sum total, joint collaboration, future plans, unexpected surprise and new record. These extra words do not carry any value.

Watch for jargon:(J)

In Toastmaster’s manuals, there is some useful information about the use of jargon words. Some buzz words are considered jargon even though they are not related to particular profession.

Examples:

Conceptualize (J) instead use imagine

Downsizing (J) instead use laying off

Infra structure instead use frame work.

Viable instead use possible

Operational instead use working

Parameters instead use limits

Now we are a step behind before finishing our final speech script i.e.

Say it correctly:

Pronunciation and grammar are major factors in your ability to influence the audience. They see these two factors in a well educated and credible person’s speech.

Common grammar problems:

Subject-verb agreement

Misplaced modifiers and

Misused pronouns

For people with pronunciation problems should practice writing the words phonetically and saying it aloud. If still the problem persists, then they should substitute with alternate word conveying same meaning.

DEAR FRIENDS, MAKE USE OF THIS SERIES IN PREPARING THAT “HOW TO SAY” SPEECH.

ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR PREPARATION

TOASTMASTERS DEGREE TITLES

The Toastmasters world has been filled with initialisms. So here I present you some of those which would benefit one who works towards a CC or CL.

CTM: competent Toastmaster

ATM: able toastmaster

ATM-B: able toastmaster-Bronze

ATMB: advanced toastmaster Bronze

ATMS: advanced toastmasters Silver

ATMG: advanced toastmasters Gold

CC: competent communicator

ACB: advanced communicator Bronze

ACS: advanced communicator Silver

ACG: advanced communicator Gold

CL: competent leader

ALB: advanced leader Bronze

ALS: advanced leader Silver

DTM: distinguished toastmaster

VPE: vice president education

VPM: vice president membership

VPPR: vice president public relations

SAA: sergeant at arms

AS: accredited speaker

PID: past international director

PIP: past international president

AG: area governor

DG: district governor

DSP: district success plan

DDP: distinguished district program

AVP: administrative vice president

EVP: educational vice president

DCP: distinguished club program

LGET: lieutenant governor education and training

LGM: lieutenant governor marketing

WHQ: world headquarters

SERIES 3: GET TO THE POINT

Well I hope you have gone through my two series. I wish you got an idea of what is & how to prepare for an effective public speaking?
To make you dive deep into this vast ocean of public speaking, I came up with series 3.

Objectives:

1. Select a speech topic & determine its general & specific purposes.

2. Organize the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes.

3. Ensure the beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purposes.

4. Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel.

5. Strive not to use notes.

Time: 5-7 min.

As you plan a speech, you must be absolutely clear about what you want the audience to do or know at the end of your talk. When the speech has a purpose, then all other decisions like-information to include, organization & delivery will be easy to make.

There are 2 types of purposes: general & specific.

General purpose:

It is the broad intent of your speech. Most speeches fall into one of 4 general purposes.

To inform: The speech designed for audience’s when they want to learn new subject, develop a skill etc. Lectures, briefings & demonstrations are all informative talks.

To persuade: This is the speech which intends to change the audience’s attitude or behaviors, convince audience to accept or approve your point of view. Sales & campaign speeches are few examples.

To entertain: These speeches strive to amuse & entertain audience.

To inspire: These speeches drive audience towards a noble goal &ideas. They draw on emotions.

Specific purpose:

It is a one sentence statement about what you hope to accomplish in the speech. It should meet three criteria. The statement should be:

1. Worded from the audiences viewpoint: what do you want the audience to be able to do after listening to your speech?

2. Specific: the wording is precise.

3. Attainable: the purpose should be realistic & possible to achieve.

Write the statement from the audience’s point of you. Be sure to keep the specific purpose reasonable. “After hearing my speech, the audience will be able to repair their bikes” is not a realistic statement. This is better: “after hearing my speech, the audience would do 4 simple maintenance tasks that will keep their bikes in condition.”

Keep the specific purpose clear & concise. Pay careful attention towards verbs. If the speech is informative, then the specific purpose statement can include verbs like- compare, identify, name, prepare, analyze & list. Specific purpose statement for a persuasive speech can include verbs like- buy, contribute, join, offer & vote. Always avoid certain words like- know, understand, recognize, & be aware- they are vague & not readily measurable.

After writing the speech purpose, decide the main points, ideas to support & outline. By the time you conclude the speech, the audience should be able to state in one simple sentence the specific purpose of the talk.

Speak with confidence:

In project 2 you have learned the importance of speech organization. When you are clear about the speech and method by which you will accomplish it, you feel better and more confident.

When you are interested in your topic and have strong feelings about it, it is easier to prepare and present the speech. The more confident & involved you are on the speech, the more interesting & smooth the talk will be. This kind of involvement would make you forget about the nervousness.

Series-2: ORGANIZE YOUR SPEECH

Dear speakers now that you have given your first public speech, you must be transcending the excitement, initial hiccup & conquer the stage!!
So I proceed to the next level in speaking- “structuring an effective speech.”

Objectives:

1. Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to follow & understand your speech.

2. Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to the message.

3. Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another.

4. Create a strong opening and conclusion.

Time frame: 5-7 minutes.

As a speaker, your role is to tell others about your ideas and occasionally persuade them to take some action. Audience will be more receptive to your efforts if you take time to assemble your thoughts in a logical manner.

Well-organized speeches have several benefits for the audience: - easier to understand, remember points & examples, credible & enjoyable.

When you plan the points you want to present in an order, you will be able to deliver effectively.

Select your topic:

First choose a topic of your interest & target audience that would generate speech ideas.

Consider few topics like- articles that attracted you, real estate, tattooing, commuting, relationships, blogging, secret cameras etc.

Make sure the topic is not too broad, it should be timely framed & present the points you are intended to deliver. Therefore do not make it mess with too much info.

Once you know your topic determine the points to make. For example, the topic is ‘internet access to children,’ then do you convince audience that parents should completely watch their child accessed websites? Or will try to make it humors by citing incidents that happened to you in your child hood?



Making an outline:

The next stage in your speech preparation is to logically assemble your ideas into a sequence that will aide achieve your objective. There are different ways to organize and the method largely depends on your chosen topic & objective.

Chronological:

The topic is arranged by time. That is your speech could describe steps in a process like- 5 steps in making a career change etc.

Spatial:

In this type the topic follows a direction. For example, if you speech is about multi stored constructions, then you could first discuss the outline, type of infra structure & flowers to use for decoration, will you consider ground floor for any business space or just plan a swimming pool? Etc.

Casual:

This type shows cause and effect relationships. The effect is discussed first, then the cause. A speech about that describes how a hurricane is formed & its destructiveness fits this organizational pattern.

Comparative:

Your compare & contrast different proposals or plans, to persuade the audience that one plan is better. In a presentation to your client, you often compare all the proposals from different teams & present the best one to persuade them.

Topical:

The main topic is split into many sub topics. The smooth transitions on this split patterns will prove your audience the organizational & details to minute info. A speech on the leadership styles will lead to think first about the definition, types existing, then the styles etc.

Problem-solution:

The speaker presents a problem that should be solved & a solution. There are many examples, like pollution, decision making to a problem that had impacted your client’s business etc.

Developing the opening:

In my series 1 blog you learned that every speech has an opening, body & conclusion.

The opening should immediately catch audience’s attention and tell them what you will be talking about. Some good openings: -

 An appropriate quotation, story or illustration.

 A startling question or a challenging statement.

 A display of some object or picture.

 A generalization that ties in with your subject.

Avoid these kinds of weak openings:

 A story or joke that doesn’t relate to your speech.

 An apologetic statement.

 A common place observation.

 A long or slow moving story.

 Stock questions like- “did you imagined this..?” or “have you thought about this…?”

Draft the body:

It is the main part of your speech and consists of the facts or ideas you want to present. Most listeners will remember only 3-5 main facts or ideas. So for a speech of 7 minutes 3 ideas are more than sufficient.

What facts do you want to convey?

Write down all that is related to your speech on small cards, using one card per idea and one sentence per idea or fact. Then select the three best cards. These will be the main ideas you will present. Arrange them in order of their occurrence in your talk.

Now elaborate on each main point with sub points. A subpoint clarifies or emphasizes the fact it suppers. Also these sub points make the speech more interesting and help listeners remember the main idea.

Supporting material then follow each subpoint. Supporting material can include: -

 Statistics: these convey info about incidents, data and events.

 Testimony: these are quotes or opinions from people with expertise on the matter.

 Examples, stories or anecdotes: they relate an event that happened to someone or you.

 Visual aids: can be charts, pictures, objects or models.

 Facts: they are variable information.

Whatever supporting material you choose, make sure it is relevant to the point you are making.

Conclusion:

It is your final opportunity to convey your message & points. This should reinforce your ideas and leave listeners with a lasting impression. If you were persuading or motivating the audience to take some action, then suggest a course of action. You could then conclude with a final remark, like a challenge, question, or quotation.

Note: in the conclusion never try to introduce any new material that you have forgotten in your main body. This would confuse the audience. Also never apologize for anything you may not say. Finish with confidence & right posture.

Pay attention to transitions:

Audiences need help in smooth transition between points which are considered as bridges. They are usually used as you move: -

1. From introduction to the body.

2. From main point to subpoint.

3. From subpoint to support material.

4. Support material to another main idea.

5. From the last support material to the conclusion.

Transitional words: afterward, also, but, consequently. Consider, finally, instead, later, meanwhile, moreover, next, then, yet.

Transitional phrases: according to, as a result, for example, for instance, this means, to illustrate, more importantly, in addition to, let’s begin with etc.

Journey to a competent communicator level

Series 1: Ice Breaker

Dear budding aspirants, I am writing this blog with an intention to elevate your confidence, understanding various aspects in preparing speeches & delivering, give a centralized idea on “how to” for a good speech.

I will be presenting the information as 10 series. Each series can be considered as a level. This will prepare you as a beginner & end as a competent communicator.

To shape the speaker, I have taken inputs and pointers from my Toastmasters manual. As a member of this dream TM club, I had completed only 2 project speeches and got an idea of writing this blog so that all the talented starters like me could avail a chance to prepare themselves.

Hope you will make use of it!!!

Objectives of ice breaker:

1. To begin speaking before an audience.

2. To discover the speaking skills you already have & skills that need some attention.

Remember you should speak for only 4-6 minutes.

The best way to begin your speaking experience is to talk about a familiar topic that would make you comfortable before audience as well on a stage. So your topic should be “about yourself.” Maintaining the talk for 4-6 min. is definitely short. Therefore you should narrow the talk by selecting interesting aspects of life that will introduce you to the club members. These might include birthplace, education, family, incidents or hobby etc. once you have the highlights of your talk; weave them into a story as if you were telling it to friends. Sharing personal experiences would establish a relationship between you and audience.

Opening, body & conclusion:

Like a good story, your talk needs a clear beginning and ending. Create an interesting caption/ adage/ idea at the opening of the speech. This captures the audience attention. A memorized beginning & ending enable you to start & finish with confidence.

In any speech, it’s best to select a few main points & emphasize them by using examples, stories or anecdotes. You should make a point, say it again in different words, illustrate the point, and then state it once more in order to be clearly understood.

This is a good skill to learn. Choose your points and illustration carefully. Too much information will crush the audience. If you feel like carrying notes, write a brief outline and place on the lectern. Remember you’re are speaking but not reading!!

Many speakers begin by writing out an entire speech, then breaking it into parts. With a key word for each part, and finally writing just the key words on one note card.

Preparing yourself:

From the above points your talk is ready. But are you ready to present it? Memorize the starting and conclusion, practice more. It would be of tremendous aide if you practice in front of a mirror, to a family member or a friend, ask for their feedback & work on that.

Another best source for practicing is with a tape recorder. Record your speech & listen frequently initially and then after some time intervals. This will give an idea of how your diction, modulation and pitch level appears in front of audience.

Tip: instead of thinking of this as a ‘speech’, think of it as a ‘talk’ before friends.

Be well-groomed & properly dressed. This will wipe out the fear of the self appearance & makes you confident.

Presenting your talk:

After quick practice relax and feel that you have given a good speech. This boosts your senses. After all, nervousness is a common trait for all speakers irrespective of their experience. Make your nervousness work in your speech by adding excitement in delivering.

While being introduced, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This will clear your throat & balance your circulation. Now face the audience, greet them give a short pause & begin with your memorized opening.

Remember to maintain eye contact with the audience from all corners. Observe time limits while speaking. Do not bother much about your body language in the first speech. Leave your hands at your sides if it makes sense for your speech. You will develop this as soon as you accustom to the stage and the whole set up. Deliver your memorized conclusion.

Your evaluation:

After finishing you may think to have forgotten many points. That’s ok for now. Take a deep breath and congratulate self for delivering your first speech.

With your first delivery still in mind, write down the points where you did well & aspects to be improved or worked on. This makes your next speech much better.

Also interact with few persons before the start of the speech & request them to maintain a sheet that would serve as a feedback on your speech & areas of improvement.

Note: Drop your valuable comments on this blog as to upgrade my knowledge & shape my further blogs.