Public SpeakingPublic SpeakingCommunications

The National Democratic Institute

• Introductions• Ground rules• Ice breaker exercise

INTRODUCTIONS/INTRODUCTIONS/GROUND RULESGROUND RULES

Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

PUBLIC SPEAKING PUBLIC SPEAKING OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

• To learn and practice effective public speaking techniques

• To reduce anxiety related to public speaking

TOPICSTOPICS• Using your voice as a tool• Non-verbal communication• Writing, preparing for and

delivering a speech• Interviewing and debating skills

Photo: NDI

KEY TERMSKEY TERMS

• Public speaking• Gesture• Stage presence• Body language• Pitch• Tone• Other terms?

PUBLIC SPEAKINGPUBLIC SPEAKING

• Voice• Presentation• Stage presence• Eye contact• Body language• Physical appearance

• Words

Photo: NDI

WORDS, VOICE, WORDS, VOICE, BODY LANGUAGEBODY LANGUAGE

VOICEVOICE

• Lower, Louder, Slower

VOICEVOICE

• Use voice as a tool• Use vocal variety• Keep voice steady

STAGE PRESENCESTAGE PRESENCE

• Imagine what people see

• Be confident• Keep energy high

Photo: NDI

EYE CONTACTEYE CONTACT

• Maintain eye contact• 5 seconds per person• -or- stare at their forehead or

just above

BODY LANGUAGEBODY LANGUAGE• Posture/stance• Hand gestures

Photo: NDI

BODY LANGUAGEBODY LANGUAGE

• Other gestures • Walking and talking• Smile!

PHYSICAL APPEARANCEPHYSICAL APPEARANCE

• Jewelry• Colors• Clothes• Shoes• Hair/scarf• Makeup

EXERCISE: GOOD AND BAD EXERCISE: GOOD AND BAD

SPEAKING HABITSSPEAKING HABITS

PREPARING YOUR PREPARING YOUR REMARKS:REMARKS:

BEFORE YOU STARTBEFORE YOU START Best Practices:Know your audienceKnow the occasionKnow the room

Best Practices:Know your audienceKnow the occasionKnow the room

WRITING REMARKSWRITING REMARKS

• Write like you speak• Outline form• Avoid technical terms• Avoid words that are hard to say• Structure:

OPENINGOPENING

Tell them what you will tell them

 Address purpose/main objective(s) Relate to audienceEstablish credibilityGrab attention

BODYBODYThen, tell themMain pointsOrganization/

transitionsExamples and

evidenceVisual aids Anticipate questions

Photo: NDI

CLOSINGCLOSING

Summarize what you told them

Summarize Tie back to your opening Call to action  

BEFORE SPEAKINGBEFORE SPEAKING

• Rehearse• Anticipate questions• Bring remarks• Eat/drink with

caution• Have water handy• Relax!

Photo: NDI

CONTROLLING YOUR CONTROLLING YOUR NERVESNERVES

• Use nervous energy to your advantage

• Anticipate negative side effects to lessen their impact

MEDIA INTERVIEWSMEDIA INTERVIEWS

• Consider your audience• Always refer back to your

message• Formats:• Newspaper• Radio• Television

DEBATESDEBATES• Preparation is key• Pause to gather your thoughts • Keep time limits in mind• Respond to the question you want

to answer

Photo: NDI

Deliver your message to the group

EXERCISE: PRACTICE EXERCISE: PRACTICE SPEECHSPEECH

Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

Use your voice as a tool Pay attention to body language Tailor remarks to your audience Always return to your message Practice, practice, practice Anticipate questions

PUBLIC SPEAKING PUBLIC SPEAKING REVIEWREVIEW