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Things to do to ensure calm and not panic:
- remember that the first 4 speeches are not graded (except participation)
- remember that they are all only 60-90 seconds in length
- remember that you can take notes up with you
- remember our classroom is a safe and supportive place to practice and
improve
Guidelines & Ground Rules for
Short Speech #3 (the DEFINITION):
Choose your definition
- find an "abstract concept" you can define and discuss
in 60-90 seconds
- find an interesting concept that will be appreciated by your audience
(the Student Handbook recommends "defining a concept in ways that
identify with your audience")
- the Student Handbook also recommends you choose a concept from one
of your classes
- chances are, you've already come across a dozen (new) concepts in each
of your courses, so this should be easy!
- in class we discussed specific abstract concepts (opportunity cost,
IQ, Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle) as well as general abstract concepts
(knowledge, love, education)
- in general, I believe that 'specific abstract concepts' are better
candidates for this speech than 'general abstract concepts,' but you are
welcome to use anything that works for you
Prepare your speech
- you should write a series of "bullet points" (not long sentences)
on a 4"x6" index card
- if you don't have an index card, you can type your bullet points and
cut the paper down to 4" x 6"
- every speech should still have a 'Central Idea'
- you must hand in your speech notes at the end of class
Practice your speech
- good speakers practice their speeches a minimum of 10 times (it's
only 60-90 seconds)
- practice allows you see what 'works' and what doesn't in your script/organization
- be sure to time your delivery (no shorter than 60 second and no longer
than 90 seconds)
- change your organization or re-write your script for maximum effect
- repeat (practice and rewrite until it's how you want it)
Deliver your speech
- for Short Speech 3 (the definition), you stand in front of the table
- speak from your 'bullet points' (don't read your speech)
- we always continue the behaviors from previous speeches (making eye
contact until all hands are lowered, pausing at the end to connect with
the audience and accept the applause, scanning the audience and making
eye contact at least 3 times during your speech)
- NEW BEHAVIOR ADDED - use some hand gestures intentionally -
for illustration, or emphasis - as you speak
Intentional and purposeful use of gestures requires practice -
see part "c" above.
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