What makes a great speech?

….. YOU do!…..But how?

Part 1

•Preparing your speech

The Basics• Your speech should be between 3 and 4 minutes in length.• 1 point will be deducted for every 10 seconds under or over

this guideline. • You will need to memorize your speech, BUT:• You can have about 5-6 cue cards with your main points

written on them. (Use your outline!)• You have until Thursday (Feb. 10th) to choose a topic. • Your outline will be due on Monday, February 14th.• Written copy will be due the 25th of February.• Presentations will begin immediately following our return

from March Break.

What should I do my speech about?

• Pick a topic you know about and are interested in• If you are interested, your audience will be too!• You will need to be able to talk for 3 to 4 minutes.• Be original, and remember almost anything goes!• Remember… you’re in school. If you’re not sure

if it’s appropriate, ASK your teacher!

An example….• POOR TOPIC:

Hockey (w-a-y too broad!)• BETTER TOPIC: The Montréal Canadiens. (Still, very broad… and

not so original!)• GETTING BETTER…Jacques Plante. (Still lots of possibilities!)• EXCELLENT TOPIC:How Jacques Plante got the idea for a hockey mask.

Narrowed down and original!

When selecting and narrowing your topic, remember:

• Your speech should accomplish one or more of the following three things:

• INFORM your audience.• Make your audience THINK.• ENTERTAIN your audience.• If you can accomplish more than one of

these things, so much the better.

How should your speech begin?

• Greet those your are speaking to. Begin with “Honourable judges”, then mention teachers, fellow students, and anyone else present.

• Within the first 20 to 30 seconds, your topic should be clear to your audience.

• Grab your audience’s attention with a surprising or interesting fact or a laugh.

The body of your speech

• Ideas should be well organized and in logical order.

• Make sure it is clear when you are starting to talk about a new point.

• Keep it simple. (K.I.S.S. Philosophy!)• Watch out for rambling! Sentences should

be short and easy for listeners to follow.

To finish off

• Reiterate the 2 or 3 most important points you made. What do you want your audience to remember about your speech?…

• …But, be careful not to repeat yourself!• Thank your audience for their attention.

Part 2

•Presenting your speech

When you are speaking…• …Remember, HOW you say it is as important as

WHAT you say!• Practice in front of a mirror.• Stand straight and tall.• Make eye contact with your audience.• Speak loudly and clearly but don’t yell - Think

volume 5 on a radio dial.• Watch your rate of speech - not too fast, not too slow.• Pause when it is appropriate. (1-2 seconds).

Your Impromptu Speech

• Right after your prepared speech, you will pick an impromptu speech topic that you have never seen before

• You should speak for 1 minute.• This will be an opinion topic, not something you

would have researched in advance.• This is still a formal speech – your voice should

remain loud and clear, your posture straight, and your ideas easy to follow.

Nervous?• A little anxiety is good! It will keep you on your toes.• Good preparation is the key!• Practice in front of as many different people as

possible. Ask them for pointers. • Prepare cue cards with main points and keep them in

order.• Control your breathing.• Focus your mind.• Remember, your audience is on your side!

Grade Five Vice Presidental Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-eStp4NqBU&feature=related