-
The ability to speak in public is a key skill for our future leaders.
-
Not all speeches have to be written.
-
There are techniques that can make speech preparation easier.
What an unexpected and pleasant surprise!
Two young people delivered speeches at a recent online group session. Both speeches were unexpected; both were excellent.
We had been in group sessions for over a month. Two participants announced they had a speech to present.
The first speech was about the music of Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky. There were short demonstrations on the piano throughout the presentation.
The second speech was about a recent musical theatre youth camp. Pictures were used to enhance the presentation.
WHAT PROMPTED THE SPEECHES?
At preceding sessions, we had incorporated a speech writing exercise. This exercise demonstrates a quick and easy method used to create a speech.
This exercise does not need each word of the speech to be written.
There are times when it may be beneficial to write out a speech, but it is not always necessary.
The spoken word is not the same as the written word. When speeches are written and read, they can be stiff and lack emotion. As a result, they may not connect with the audience.
Often it is better to present in a conversational tone.
THE EXERCISE:
We start by choosing a topic in which the participants have knowledge.
Once we decide on a topic, we determine three core ideas or messages we can present on the chosen subject.
Then we find about three supporting points or details we can mention for each core idea.
We end with deciding on a title, introductory sentence and closing sentence.
An outline could look like this.
TOPIC: Pets
Core Idea 1: Types of pets
Supporting points:
-
Furry pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.
-
Scaly pets: lizards, bearded dragons, geckos etc,
-
Exotic pets: birds, chinchillas, insects, etc.
Core Idea 2: Responsibilities of pet ownership
Supporting points:
-
Housing
-
Feeding
-
Maintenance and licensing.
Core Idea 3: Lessons learned from pets.
Supporting points:
-
Responsibilities
-
Nurturing
-
Dealing with loss.
The above is the body of the speech.
Title and Opening:
How to introduce the topic to the audience.
An example could be asking a question, such as, “Have you thought of what having a pet means and what it teaches us? Let’s review some types of pets, the responsibilities involved, and some lessons we learn when we have a pet.”
Ending Example: “This has been a review of what it means to have a pet and some of the lessons learned. I hope this helps you consider the reasons and responsibilities and potential benefits of having a pet.”
BENEFITS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING:
-
Enhances communication skills;
-
Reduces stress and improves attitudes;
-
Develops interpersonal skills;
-
Increases self-confidence; and,
-
Teaches leadership skills.
Public speaking can impact relationships with others, your career and impact in the community.
Leaders need the ability to communicate. Think of many famous leaders. All had the ability to speak in public. Great examples are Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Public speaking is well worth learning and is a skill our future leaders need.
Please share your ideas on how we can assist our youth to learn public speaking. This will enable them to gain the communication and leadership skills required in the 21st Century.
If you require more information, please contact us.
LEARN MORE:
Are you are interested in learning more about group coaching?
If so, contact us to obtain a report on a simple and easy system on how to set up group coaching programs for youth. You can do this in the ‘Contact us‘ section of the website.
Please contact us to enter the discussion, REQUEST A FREE COPY OF THE GROUP COACHING PLAYBOOK or JOIN THE REGULAR COACHES FORUM.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
You can subscribe and be notified when there is a new posting on this site. You can do so by adding your first name and email address in the boxes under ‘Subscribe to Our Newsletter’ found to the right of the picture above this article.
Wishing you lots of love and laughter, as always.
Fred Jones
Victoria, BC Canada
Fred Jones
