Writing and Preparing Your Speech

Please use 3rd period to write your speech.

1. After you write your speech, proofread and print out.
2. Divide the speech with your partner. Decide who will deliver what parts of the speech.
3. Paste your work onto index cards that you can use for your notes.
4. Highlight important key points in your speech; Slow down during these highlights when you deliver your speech.
5. Rehearse with your partner. You may use our lab or the classroom next door (a238).

During 4th period (or after you complete the steps above), we will begin rehearsing speeches.

Effective speech is largely based on knowing well what you wrote. Being familiar with the words you used and how to pronounce them are helpful. In addition,

• sincerity (you've got to believe and mean what you say)
• effective volume (if we can't hear you, then there is no point in communicating)
• eye contact (helps gain feedback from your audience)
• effective pacing (slow down during important points, speed up during non-important points or digressions)
• effective gestures and posture (physical communication is helpful to communicate an idea)

can help make your speech more effective and interesting.

In your pairs "rehearse" your speech. Deliver your speech to one another, taking turns. The listener should give you feedback about effectiveness. What parts of the speech are weak, vague, or badly delivered? Where does the listener stop listening in the speech? Does the opening of the speech effectively hook or interest the listener? Critique each other.

Use your time to go over your speech again and again. Do this until the bell rings. Seriously, the more time you practice, the better you will be prepared. Don't goof off or throw away this opportunity. Work until the end of class!