Deliver Your Speech
Printed Page 55
The moment has come: you’re watching a classmate wrap up her speech, and you’re next in line. As you approach the lectern and start delivering your speech, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Project your voice. Speak loudly and slowly enough that your audience can easily hear what you are saying.
- Maintain an even rate of speaking. Many speakers tend to rush through a speech, particularly if they are nervous. Speak at a rate that enables you to pronounce the words clearly, allowing the audience to follow your speech.
- Convey interest in your topic. Maintain energy and variety in your speaking voice, so that you build audience enthusiasm for your speech.
- Maintain eye contact. Try to make eye contact with people in each section of the room during the course of your presentation.
Each speech you deliver is a learning experience. Your instructor (and perhaps your classmates) will offer feedback after your presentation. Use these suggestions to prepare future speeches; you’ll soon see your public speaking skills improve.
Click the "Next" button to try Video Activity 2.2, “Gentz, My Hero, Marilyn Hamilton.”