Public Speaking

Select any subject for your speech, preferably a topic you like and know something about. Research your topic by getting information from teachers, parents, books, news articles, etc.  Do not make up information.

There are 3 steps everyone must use in preparing a good speech. A good speech will have 3 basic parts:

Introduction

This is your chance to greet your audience or more importantly, to get their attention. You will be stimulating their appetite by your first few words. Some ways to start are: Using a famous quotation, words or verses of a poem, a humorous story, or the definition of your title.

Body

This is the main part of your talk. It is the “meat in your sandwich”. This is the part where you bring out what you want the audience to know. You will hopefully not have any more than five main points. Avoid statistics and wordy information.

Conclusion

This is the ending or summarizing part of your talk. Some ways to end a speech are:

1. A brief summary of the main points of your speech.
2. Closing with a high note like a poem, quotation, or surprise statement.
3. Concluding with a challenge or
4. Concluding with a statement of your views on the subject.

Good Speech Pointers

• Practice – Practice until you know your speech and feel comfortable giving it to others.  Your posture should be to stand straight and not stiff. Keep hands at side. Hand gestures should be natural and not rehearsed.
• Notes can be used, and are recommended, however, be sure they are on small note cards. Do not read your speech.
• Include 4-H in your speech some way, as this is a 4-H speech contest.
• Speak in a natural tone of voice but loud enough that everyone can hear you.
• If you need assistance in preparing your speech, you can check with the library, your parents, teachers, magazines, books, newspapers, or personal experiences.
• Speakers should NOT begin by giving name and club, or by recognizing the “Honorable Judges, Ladies and gentlemen, etc.”