Public Speaking

Communications

The National Democratic Institute

 INTRODUCTIONS/
GROUND RULES
• Introductions
• Ground rules
• Ice breaker exercise

Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

PUBLIC SPEAKING OBJECTIVES
• To learn and practice effective
public speaking techniques
• To reduce anxiety related to public
speaking
 TOPICS
• Using your voice as a tool
• Non-verbal communication
• Writing, preparing for and delivering a
speech
• Interviewing and debating skills

Photo: NDI
 KEY TERMS
• Public speaking
• Gesture
• Stage presence
• Body language
• Pitch
• Tone
• Other terms?
 PUBLIC SPEAKING
• Voice
• Presentation
• Stage presence
• Eye contact
Photo: NDI

• Body language
• Physical appearance
• Words
WORDS, VOICE,
BODY LANGUAGE
 VOICE
• Lower, Louder, Slower
 VOICE
• Use voice as a tool
• Use vocal variety
• Keep voice steady
 STAGE PRESENCE

• Imagine what
people see
• Be confident
• Keep energy high

Photo: NDI
 EYE CONTACT
• Maintain eye contact
• 5 seconds per person
• -or- stare at their forehead or just
above
 BODY LANGUAGE
• Posture/stance
• Hand gestures

Photo: NDI
 BODY LANGUAGE
• Other gestures
• Walking and talking
• Smile!
 PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
• Jewelry
• Colors
• Clothes
• Shoes
• Hair/scarf
• Makeup
EXERCISE: GOOD AND BAD
SPEAKING HABITS
PREPARING YOUR REMARKS:
BEFORE YOU START
Best Practices:
Know your audience
Know the occasion
Know the room
 WRITING REMARKS
• Write like you speak
• Outline form
• Avoid technical terms
• Avoid words that are hard to say
• Structure:
 OPENING
Tell them what you will tell them
 
 Address purpose/main objective(s)
 Relate to audience
 Establish credibility
 Grab attention
 BODY
Then, tell them
 Main points
 Organization/transitions
 Examples and evidence
 Visual aids
 Anticipate questions

Photo: NDI
 CLOSING
Summarize what you told them

 Summarize
 Tie back to your opening
 Call to action  
 BEFORE SPEAKING

• Rehearse
• Anticipate questions
• Bring remarks
• Eat/drink with caution
• Have water handy
• Relax!

Photo: NDI
CONTROLLING YOUR NERVES
• Use nervous energy to
your advantage

• Anticipate negative
side effects to lessen
their impact
 MEDIA INTERVIEWS
• Consider your audience
• Always refer back to your message
• Formats:
• Newspaper
• Radio
• Television
 DEBATES
• Preparation is key
• Pause to gather your thoughts
• Keep time limits in mind
• Respond to the question you want to
answer

Photo: NDI
EXERCISE: PRACTICE SPEECH
Deliver your message to the group

Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

 PUBLIC SPEAKING REVIEW
 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