Chapter Two

1
Chapter Two
Giving It a Try Preparing Your First Speech
2
Giving It a TryPreparing Your First Speech

• Table of Contents
• A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking Process
• Taking the Plunge

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Giving It a TryPreparing Your First Speech

• The best way to overcome speech anxiety is to
  deliver a speech.

4
A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking Process

• When preparing your first speech, you neednt
  know all the conventions of speechmaking, but you
  will need a brief overview of the ten-part
  speechmaking process.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking Process

• Select a Topic
• Analyze the Audience
• State the Speech Purpose
• Compose a Thesis Statement
• Develop the Main Points
• (Continued on next slide)

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking Process

• (continued from previous slide)
• Gather Supporting Materials
• Separate the Speech into its Major Parts
• Outline the Speech
• Consider Presentation Aids
• Practice Delivering the Speech

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessSelect a Topic

• Unless the topic is assigned, follow your
  interests and passions
• Personal interest ensures enthusiasm
• Be certain your topic will be of equal interest
  to your audience

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessAnalyze the Audience

• Learn about the differences and similarities
  among members of your audience
• Demographic characteristics age, gender, and
  ethnicity
• Consider how different people might think or feel
  differently about your topic.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessState the Speech Purpose

• Is your general purpose to inform, persuade, or
  mark a special occasion?
• Your speech should also have a specific purpose
  (a definite statement of what the speech will
  accomplish for the audience).

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessCompose a Thesis Statement

• The thesis statement expresses the central idea
  in a single sentence.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessCompose a Thesis Statement

• General Purpose To persuade
• Specific Purpose To persuade my audience that
  Congressional term limits should be eliminated
• Thesis Because of congressional term limits,
  many highly qualified politicians have been
  forced out of office.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessDevelop the Main Points

• Organize your speech around two or three main
  points.
• The main points will be identifiable if you
  clearly state the specific purpose of the speech.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessGather Supporting Materials

• Unless your speech is about yourself, plan on
  researching your topic for supporting materials.
• Supporting materials clarify, elaborate, and
  verify the speakers ideas.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessSeparate the Speech into itsMajor Parts

• The introduction alerts your audience to your
  specific speech purpose.
• The speech body contains your main points and
  subpoints, all of which support your thesis.
• The conclusion reiterates how your main points
  confirm your speech purpose and thesis.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessOutline the Speech

• Outlines provide the framework upon which to
  arrange main points in support of your thesis and
  subordinate points in support of your main points.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessOutline the Speech

• Coordinate Points have equal importance
• I. Main Point 1
• II. Main Point 2
• Subordinate Points have lesser weight
• 1. Main Point 1
• A. First Level of Subordination
• B. Second Level of Subordination

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessConsider Presentation Aids

• Consider whether using visual and auditory aids
  will help your audience understand your points.

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessPractice Delivering the Speech

• Vocal delivery volume, rate, pitch, variety,
  pronunciation, and articulation
• Nonvocal delivery facial expression, gestures,
  general body movement, and physical appearance

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A Brief Overview of the Speechmaking
ProcessPractice Delivering the Speech

• The success of your first speech depends on how
  well you prepare and practice.
• Practice your speech at least six times.
• Use a tape recorder.

20
Taking the Plunge

• While your first speech should be simple and fun,
  you will need to consider each of the steps and
  gauge your anxiety.
• Think positively!