chapter 11 speech buddies

11.1 I thought that this video had a lot of solid points about the usage of powerpoint and keynote. Over the years, I have seen many countless presentation slides, and what I cannot stand is the use of too many words. If the slide is too complicated, it makes the message more difficult to comprehend and therefore decreasing attention of the audience. The powerpoint should only include diagrams, pictures, and maybe a few key ideas to enhance speech. Each slide should have a purpose, and emphasis points for the speaker. Doing this will not only increase credibility but will also help the people understand what the speaker is trying to say.

11.2 showed an example how what to do and not do in presenting with presentation media. In her presentation, she did show pictures and many key terms. However, her pink template was bad because it did a poor job of contrasting the blue colored words. Also, some of her slides included multiple images which may have been confusing to the audience. Choosing the right template, images, and wording can really enhance the speech if used correctly.

presentation media in speaking presentation...

I think the last time i saw something in the form of presentation media being used in a speech was in a business seminar which i attended a couple of days ago. In the presentation, one of my colleagues uses a white board to his advantage. In the speech he used the white board to point out different aspects of the program and a diagram of all the steps needed to achieve success in this aspect of the audience's lives. He effectively used flow charts to point out the relationships of different sides of the business and how they relate to the individuals. Also, he used the markers to introduce other important speakers, successful people, and important companies related to the program. Another great thing that he did was use the audience's information and feedback to his advantage. By relating to a few members in the audience, he took their dreams and made them believe that it was possible to achieve. Using the white board he made the plans for the next couple of years crystal clear.

Components of an Intro and Conclusion

There are many components that the book mentions of introductions and conclusions. First, i want to talk about conclusions. The book says that the influence of the first impression is called the primary effect and can be greatly enhanced by an attention getter or grabber. Some techniques to consider is managing your time because you do not want your introduction to be too long or short. The authors also say to use your creativity. How can I attract my audience to listen to my speech more? Some more specific techniques include showing a media clip, citing surprising facts, telling a story that relates to the human level emotionally, telling a joke, using the info about the audience, or asking a thought-provoking question. After that, You should also mention your main points and thesis statements

As for the conclusion and providing closure you should end with some emotional effect or thought evoking material. You can use quotations, dramatic statements, referring to different parts of the speech, connecting with the audience, using appreciation. There are many ways to close a speech. By doing this aspect correctly, you will leave a lasting impression and something for the people to munch on after the speech.

Providing Closure

Ending your speech correctly is one of the most valuable skills you can enhance when conveying the correct message towards the audience. The book discusses several methods that you can try when closing. The first one is end with a quotation. This means taking valuable information from a different that will spur thought within the audiences' minds. The second was to close is to make a dramatic statement which will touch upon the emotional circuitry of the listeners. The next type is referring to the introduction which will remind the people of the initial points of the speech and intensify awareness of the main message. Another one is referring to subsequent events which may help strengthen the overall topic's effectiveness. Next, there is the reinforcement of the speaker-audience connection where the speaker relates to the audience at a personal level hopefully increasing credibility within the presenter if the speech went well. Lastly, the book mentions a note on thanking the audience and to show a bit of appreciation. This is always a polite gesture.

Speech Buddies ch. 9 and 13

The chapter nine speech buddies talks about the importance of introductions and conclusions in capturing and keeping the attentions of the audience. If you set the tone right from the start then, the audience will have a positive impression which at the same time increases your credibility. On the same note, conclusions are very important because it gives the listener something to munch on and allows them to remember your speech more effectively. I think that in my last speech i felt that my introduction was solid. It used a little bit of humour to engage the audience and it also brought about a laugh or two.

The chapter thirteen speech buddies gave us a taste of what a successful informative speech will look like. Judging by their organization, i would say that they had adequate attention grabber, good points to cover, and relevant support to keep the audience engaged. Also, it helped them to have positive body language, and great eye contact to supplement. Each of these i will think about when preparing my next speech.

Speech buddies ch. 7 and 8

7.2 talked about evaluating speech credibility. You should outside information to help support the arguments in your speech. When finding sources to use for your presentation, make sure that you use a variety of information ranging from internet, newspapers, and well published books. It is also important to judge the credibility, reliability and relevance.

8.1 talked about organizational patterns of speeches. There are several different patterns which include cause-and-effect, problem-solution, chronological, narrative and more. Each of the patterns specialize in enhancing a certain part of speeches. For example, the narrative organization pattern uses dramatic events in speech that relates and touches on the audiences emotions, allowing the audience to become more involved.

8.2 talked about linking ideas together smoothly through transitions. There are several kinds of transitions such as order, contrasting, chronology, causality, and summary. Each kind of transition helps set down markers in the understanding of the topic. For example. A summary transition could be linked from the main passage by stating the words, "In summery,....(the summary)". A order transition can help progress an order of ideas. So, by using words like "Next, First, Second, Lastly,...(idea)" you can effectively mark down the number and progression of points.

Supporting material...

Chapter seven talked a lot about using supporting material to give substance to the speeches. In the chapter, the authors mention several types of supporting material which are narratives, examples, definitions, testimony, facts, and statistics. Narratives are basically stories. They describe events which appeals to our sense of emotion. They can be effective in allowing others to see what other viewpoints and perspectives that might help them gain a sense of awareness on the topic at hand. Examples are concepts and ideas which are used to clear up a other concept or idea. An apple is an example of a fruit would be one way to describe it. A definition defines a topic or word. It uses other words to clear up the meaning. For example, a bed can be defined as a unit to sleep on. Testimonies are opinions and experiences that we can use to support a claim that we have made. A person could say that a seminar really changed my life or this person influenced my decision. Depending on the audience's viewpoints and beliefs about the person, that is how the audience will judge the credibility of the testimony. Finally, facts and statistics help support arguments and claims made by the speaker by providing informaiton from official sources. These supports strenghten the validity of the statements made and also add to the credibility of the speaker. It can also show that the speaker is well prepared to back up the main points.

Speech facts and statistics...

I think that speech facts are most effective when trying to strengthen an arguement. For example, in my last speech, I was talking about body language and the advantages it has when someone is trying to make a good impressions on someone. There is a statistic out there that says that 80 percent of communication is comprised by the body language. 15 percent accounts for the tone of voice and actually only 5 percent is the actual words itself. Now, this theory actually supports my argument. By showing stats in your presentation, you are increasing your credibility and especially the validity of your claim. Also a great reason why facts and stats can be important is because it actually can change the perception and views of your audience in a way so that the audience can understand your topic better.

One downside of using facs and figures can be that if you use too many, then you might sound like a robot almanac or encyclopedia. This can actually make your speech more annoying and boring in some cases. Also, if you blab off too many facts then there is less of your ideas of the concepts. IK think that facts should serve as a supplement not the main course.

Speech evaluation ONE

Overall, I thought I did a fine job in presenting the information about my topic on “some tips and tricks to have a good time at parties” especially since this was the first time in a long while that I have had to present a speech in front of a formal audience. I had practiced practically twenty times that week and at the same time I tried to turn a ten minute speech into a five minute manifestation. I will admit that no matter how many times I had practiced, there were still shaky nerves all around.

Once I entered the building, I knew in my mind I wanted to go first. I felt that going early in the period that we had actually got me more excited to do it. I felt I had something to prove to my audience. I wanted to show you guys that indeed I had worked hard on this speech. I felt that gaining my composures right before I started helped me out a lot. I took the time to prepare all that I needed. I did a little breathing and stretching exercise to help me get pumped. Then, I decided to just dive in and start.

Yes, I really did feel nervous, however I decided to not let my outer shell exhibit that part of me. My attention grabber was excellent as I turned around with my jester hat and my stunner shades. My introduction and main points sounded not as concise as I wanted them to be mostly due to my emotional state. I really dislike the first two minutes of speeches. Fortunately, as I started hitting the main body of my presentation, I began to settle in. As I expected, talking became easier. The audience participation was a key part and I think that I did an exceptional job at talking and at the same time presenting my example.

Throughout the five minutes, I used three of my sources as visual aids, pointing out various books that would be available if someone wanted to find out more information. I believe I had one more source, but I failed to mention it at all in the speech. That wasn’t all too bad because if I did mention it, then I would’ve broken the five minute time limit. As I finished my speech, I began to get nervous again because I wanted to finish on a great note. My hands got a little shaky and I think I stuttered on one or two words. However, I focused on getting my last point across and as I finished, I saw the five minute marker.

My speech started out as having three topics that actually could be covered each on its own in a five minute speech. As a result of having to cram the three, I rushed my words and some people did not get what I was trying to say at certain points. If I had to do it again, I would've liked to focus on one of the points that I covered such as body language, or relaxation techniques, or specific tricks to have fun at parties. The video and many of my classmates showed me that I was moving around a lot and my gestures could have been a little less frequent. For the next speech, I want to be a little more calm and I want to slow down my talking. My eye contact was excellent. I would rate it as 9/10. That was one of the demonstrations that I had to show so it had to be good. I tried to focus attention to one person's eyes every few seconds.

I think that my speech would merit a “B”. I felt that I did get my message across with sufficient evidence. However, the way that I presented my introduction, main points, and conclusion could have been better delivered and my body movements could be improved so that I do not look like a malfunctioning robot. =)