Archive for the ‘Reference’ Category

The organization of the body of the speech

April 5th, 2009 @ admin

The organization of the body of the speech will vary according to the subject and purpose. If a speech tells you how to do something—for instance, how to plan a budget—its main points should follow the order of the process that it describes. If the subject breaks naturally into parts, such as the three major causes of global warming, speakers can use a categorical design to present them.
A variety of concluding techniques can be used to end a speech. If speakers have covered several main points in the body, they should summarize them and then make a final statement that will help the audience remember the essence of the message.
Effective speeches also contain transitions that link together the various parts of the speech. Transitions bridge ideas and aid understanding. They signal that something different is coming and help the speech flow better. Transitions should be used between the introduction and body of a speech, between the body and the conclusion, and between the main points within the body.

Freshness

February 14th, 2009 @ admin

Any speech worth listening to will bring something new to you. The topic should be fresh and interesting. If the topic has been overused, then the speech must be innovative to sustain attention. One frequently overused topic for persuasive speeches is drinking and driving. When speakers choose such a topic, they can’t simply reiterate the common advice “if you drink, don’t drive” and expect to be effective. The audience will have heard that message hundreds of times. To get through to listeners on such a subject, speakers have to find a fresh way to present the material. One student of ours gave a speech on “responsible drinking and driving” that stressed the importance of understanding the effects of alcohol and of knowing your own tolerance limits. Her fresh approach and important information gave us a new perspective on an old problem.