how do you make a good speech?

Question

i have a science fair tomorrow and i really need advice as to what makes a good speech. i have the notecards and the visual already, i just need the advice very badly, thanx, anything that is REALLY HELPFUL, OF COURSE, WILL HELP!

Answer 1

dont masturbate

Answer 2

There's an old saying: tell them what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you've told them. In other words: say what they can expect; deliver it; then summarise.

I've done a lot of public speaking and the lesson that was most important to me was to write down and rehearse *how I was going to end.* It's easy to prepare the beginning, but the last bit's just as important and there's a danger of fading away.

Several deep breaths beforehand is a good steadier for the nerves even if you have to carve out a piece pf personal space to do it.

Make eye-contact with different people as you progress - don't gaze into the middle distance or the back of the room. If you can manage a smile with the eye-contact (and the subject matter is appropriate) so much the better.

You've already done the visual? I hope it's not too crowded with information, but if you've got a lot of info' on one slide and you can do a 'slow reveal' rather than show the whole slide at once, that's a better plan.

Don't just read out what's on the visual - it can feel to the audience as if they're being patronised. The visual should be the brief summary of the point that you'll be making through your talk.

Is it the kind of presentation where people can ask questions? 'Cos if it is, you need to decide whether you'll take questions as you progress or ask people to wait until the end - and as you've not had much practice yet, I suggest that you ask people to wait until the end otherwise you'll get distracted. (If someone's introducing you, then ideally it should be up to that person to make the point about taking questions).

Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, a joke always help to start, though I don't know how that would work with science. Speak loud enough for the folks in the back to hear and try not to rush it. We tend to do that when we are nervous. I tell myself "slow down." Eye contact is good if you can. If you can't, look at your audience but slightly over their heads at a fixed point in the room behind them, like an "exit" sign or something. That way, it makes them think you are looking at them when you aren't really. If there is a podium, use it. Hold onto it with both hands on either side. It will keep you anchored and steady. Sometimes, when we are nervous, we rock. Smile! Good luck!

Answer 4

You did not mention if your speech is to be in class or on stage before a large audience. So, I can give you some general (no stage fright shakes) advice. First, you mentioned that you were prepared, that's good. That alone will give you confidence. Before the speech, think that the listeners are there to hear what you have to say and will pay attention to you, as they realize that you have the nerve to be there. They themselves probably do NOT. Many musicians wear sunglasses to overcome stage fright (I'm sure you've noticed that). My father once told me his secret, he pretended that the audience was naked and he would lose all his fear (it worked for him and me, as I've done many a speech).
PS: Convince yourself that you've done it before, and you'll do fine :-).

Answer 5

I would try not to over work yourself too much. It doesn't help solve any problems. Think positive thoughts, and get a good night's rest. Oh, and eat a healthy, (but not extremely huge,) breakfast before your speech. Good luck and Godspeed.