ACM: Specialty Speeches

Speakers are often called upon to give different kinds of talks. This manual contains information about giving the most common ones, and it covers impromptu talks, preparing inspirational speeches, selling a product, reading out loud and introducing a speaker.


Project #1: Speak Off The Cuff
Executive Summary:
Every day you most likely are asked to give your opinion, offer advice or contribute an idea or piece of information. Such impromptu talks are opportunities to build your confidence and improve your speaking skills. You can prepare for impromptu speaking situations by reading, listening and keeping abreast of current events and by knowing the different wars in which you can organize your thoughts.

Objectives:

• Develop an awareness of situations in which you might be called upon to deliver an impromptu speech.
• Understand how to prepare for impromptu speaking.
• Develop skill as a speaker in the impromptu situation by using one or more patterns to approach a topic under discussion; for example, comparing a past, present, future situation or before and after.
• TIME : 5 to 7 minutes

Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this talk was for the speaker to present an impromptu speech of five to seven minutes on a topic about which he or she is knowledgeable. The speaker is to provide you with five possible topics. You are to select one at random and tell him or her what that topic is. The speech should inform the audience through clear, knowledgeable expression. In addition to your oral evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.


Project #2: Uplift The Spirit
Executive Summary:
An inspirational speech acknowledges listeners' present beliefs, values and sentiments, explains the need for change, then encourages and motivates listeners to make these changes. An inspirational speaker's success relies heavily on delivery, language, vocal variety and phrasing. The inspirational speaker adapts to the mood and formality of the occasion and conveys confidence, sincerity, conviction and enthusiasm.

Objectives:

• Identify and understand the basic differences and similarities between inspirational speeches and other kinds of speeches.
• Learn how to evaluate audience feeling and establish emotional rapport.
• Develop a speech style and delivery that effectively expresses inspirational content by moving the audience to adopt your views.
• TIME : 8 to 10minutes

Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project was for the speaker to present an eight to ten minutes speech designed to rephrase the emotional consensus of the audience in terms of their beliefs, values and sentiments and in a language and style appropriate to the occasion. In addition to your oral evaluation, please give written answers to the questions below.


Project #3: Sell a Product
Executive Summary:
A sales presentation is a type of persuasive speech. Its purpose is to generate listeners' interest in the service or product you are selling and motivate them to buy it. You should create a 'Unique Selling Proposition' that explains how your service or product will benefit them and how it is better than the competition's service or product. Be sure to incorporate words that have proven to be effective in the sales process. Plan for listeners' potential objections and be able to refute them.

Objectives:

• Understand the relationship of sales technique to persuasion.
• Skillfully use the four steps in a sales presentation: attention, interest, desire, action.
• Identify and promote a unique selling proposition in a sales presentation.
• Be able to handle objections and close a prospective buyer.
• TIME : 10 to 12 minutes

Note to the Evaluator:
The speaker has been assigned to present a sales speech of from 10 to 12 minutes. The talk should be convincing on logical, informational and emotional levels and should be delivered in an extemporaneous manner. The focus of the talk should be the selling of a product or of a service. You may want to review the text of this project to be familiar with its objectives. In addition to your oral evaluation, please provide written the answers to the following questions:


Project #4: Read Out Loud
Executive Summary:
An interpretive reader communicates the ideas and emotions of someone else. You read from a work of literature, using your voice, and body to convey the ideas, emotions, attitudes, and intentions of the author. Creating the illusion of spontaneity is key to effective interpretive reading and requires close attention to pacing, animation, rhythm, tone and inflection. If the literature you select requires cutting to fit time requirements, begin the reading at a point of crisis and move directly toward the climax.

Objectives:

• Arrive at an understanding of the elements that comprise oral interpretation and how it differs from preparing and giving a speech.
• Learn the preparation or planning techniques of effective interpretation.
• Learn the principles of presentation and develop skill in interpretive reading with regard to voice and body as instruments of communication.
• TIME : 12 to 15 minutes

Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project was for the speaker to present an interpretive reading of 12 to 15 minutes from a literary work. Making effective use of voice, rhythm and body movement, the speaker should create an auditory and visual experience for the audience. In addition to your oral evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.


Project #5: Introducing The Speaker
Executive Summary:
A proper introduction prepares the audience for the speaker, helping them to focus their attention on him or her and sometimes even preparing listeners for a change in mood. The introduction should highlight the speaker, explaining who the speaker is and why he or she is qualified to speak on that topic. A good introduction requires just as much preparation as a prepared speech and should be drafted well beforehand.

Objectives:

• Focus on the special occasion talk from the standpoint of the introducer (function chairman, toastmaster, master of ceremonies).
• Become knowledgeable and skilled in the functions associated with the master of ceremonies
• Handle the introduction of other speakers at a club meeting
• TIME :The duration of a club meeting. (To be arranged with the Vice President Education)

Note to the Evaluator:
The speaker has been assigned to act as host, introducing the speakers at a club meeting in a way that would help them do their best and encourage the audience to listen with attention and anticipation. In addition to your oral evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.

For more information:
226E