The following sections are taken from the speechcraft workbook of Toastmasters International.
Public Speaking
In any good speech, its best to select a very few main points, two or three at the most, and expand on them by using examples, stories, or anecdotes.
Analyze what it will take to motivate your audience to agree with you, understand you, or take action on your behalf. Select your ideas and arrange them into a logical sequence. The best way to do this is to build an outline. An example of a typical outline is:
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A. Opening (10% of your total speech time)
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Captures audience attention. (E.g. a question, challenging statement, quotation, illustration, story, or display of an object/picture)
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Leads into speech topic
B. Body (80% of your total speech time)
1. First Point
a) Statement of fact
b) Supporting material
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2. Second Point
a) Statement of fact
b) Supporting material
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3. Third Point
a) Statement of fact
b) Supporting material
C. Conclusion (10% of your total speech time)
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Review or summary
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Call to action or memorable statement
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Public Speaking Tips
Plan to use both facial expressions and body movements in your presentation:​
1. Size, weight, shape, direction, location. These physical characteristics call for hand gestures, such as shaping of the hands or pointing.
2. Importance or urgency. Show your audience how vital your point is. Hit your fist into your open palm or (with caution) on the lectern to punctuate your point.
3. Comparison and contrast. Move both your hands in unison to show similarities; move them in opposition to show differences.
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Center your talk on some object you can show to the audience.
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The object could be a book, a toy, or even a rock. Variations on this approach include use of a map or diagram drawn on a card or chalkboard.
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Do not look at the object all the time nor handle it too much.
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If you are using a chart or chalkboard, stand to the side so the audience can see it.
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Make sure before the meeting that objects/displays can be easily seen by everyone in the audience. If not, construct your speech without them.
Presenting your talk:
Feeling a bit nervous is common to every speaker, no matter how experienced. No one is going to pay much attention to a little quavering in your voice, and it will soon disappear, anyway, as you become involved with what you are saying.
While being introduced, take a few deep breaths and slowly exhale. While speaking, make eye contact with various members of the audience, first looking directly at one person for a few seconds, then looking at another, so one feels left out of your talk. As you are doing this, glance periodically at the timer. Enjoy the applause.
After your talk, you will probably begin evaluating yourself even before you sit down. You may think that you left out some of the best parts. Everybody does that. Just congratulate yourself on having delivered your speech, and write down the things you did well and the things you want to improve. Try to avoid your mistakes next time. Focus on what you did well.
Elevator Pitch
Imagine that you are on your way to work and you get on the elevator. You realize that the owner of the company is there and she is going to the top floor. She is very busy and this is the first time you have an opportunity to be alone with her. How would you use this time to make a good impression?
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The essence of an elevator pitch is that you are able to present yourself in a brief moment (1 minute approx.). You can use this time to talk about who you are, what do you do and what you want to do.
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Elevator Pitch Tips
Now that you have an idea of what an elevator pitch is, It is time to create your own!
Check out this guide from Kent State University:
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What to Include in Your One-Minute Pitch
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Who you are, plus a credential. Your name and something that differentiates you from your peers (major/degree, athlete, veteran) and/or establishes a relationship (graduate of same college, from the same home town, etc.).
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Your specific goal/career interest. This will allow that person to help you or possibly connect you to someone who can.
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How you have demonstrated your interest. Demonstrate your interest and experience in the field with examples of things you have already completed. Don't just say "I have always wanted be a doctor," but rather "I have taken pre-med courses and volunteered at the hospital".
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Why you are qualified. Demonstrate your qualifications by sharing leadership and work experience, achievements, expertise, skills and strengths.
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A question or request for assistance. Consider giving the person two options for ways they may be of assistance. For example, "If your company offers internships, I would appreciate the name of the person in charge of that program, or perhaps I could meet with you in person to find out more about your organization and opportunities in the marketing profession." Be sure to offer each contact your business card for future reference.
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Craft Your Pitch
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Hello, my name is ____________ and I am completing a ____________ degree in ____________ at ___________ with a minor in ____________.
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I am interested in a career in (or position as a) ____________ in the ____________ field (industry).
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I have been involved (during college) in ____________.
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And developed skills in ____________. I have also had an internship position (employment) as a ____________ with ____________ and discovered that I really enjoy ____________.
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Could you tell me more about ____________.
Elevator Pitch Examples
"Hi, I am a Hanna Montana, I am a Senior at Castle Park High School. I am interested in this events coordinator position because i would like to get some experience within the music industry. I am currently taking a computers class and in my free time I like to volunteer in the YMCA drama department. If you need an enthusiastic and fast-learner intern, I am your person".
"It's nice to see you Mr. Jobs. I've always admired your work and your company's culture. I am a Junior at Hoover High School and the secretary of the M.E.C.H.A. student club. I know that your company will be hiring interns soon and I am very interested in the projects you will be working on during this semester. I recently learned that you also went to Hoover High School. Do you have some time to discuss the internship position?".
"Hello, my name is Anakin Skywalker. I just graduated from the Empire High School. I am about to start the college in the Sith Academy to study the elements of the force. In the future I would like to rule the Galaxy and create a Death Star".
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