………………………………………in a galaxy far far away a society existed where super human powers were as ordinary as raincoats in Kerry. When the planet was destroyed in a meteor shower only a small number escaped. To preserve their Liberty they have adopted secret identities as mild mannered Speakeasy Toastmasters. Revealing themselves only once every two weeks behind the closed doors of the Hibernian Hotel. Each week they advise us poor mortals on a subject relating to the improvement of our ‘Speech Techniques’ This week they covered a special topic to cure wafflers and those who have acquired the technique of ‘talking’ but saying ‘nothing’. For example those boys up in the Dail. With another election looming maybe they would read this and come all the way to us in Mallow to get cured!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because you are all good attentive readers, I will pass on the words of wisdom of those super human powers, not the politicians to you all. Believe me, this advice is very valuable. If we could bottle it and sell it Speakeasy Toastmasters would become millionaires, and future public speakers would get their message across before the audience eyes became glazed. The words of wisdom are ‘GET TO THE POINT’. As you plan a speech
You must know exactly what you want your audience to know
Your speech must have a purpose
You must decide what information to include; your organization and delivery; in order to achieve your purpose.
There are two types of purposes. ‘General’ and ‘Specific’ The general purpose is the broad intent of your speech. Most speeches fall into four general purposes.
To inform - when you want your audience to learn about a new subject, develop a new skill.
To persuade - A persuasive speech strives to change the audience’s attitudes on behaviours. Sales presentations and campaign speeches are examples of persuasive speeches. Now for my ‘PLUG’ - all you sales executives and politicians out there – you don’t know what you are missing while plying your trade when you have not joined toastmasters. Be consoled – it is not too late. Our portals are always open – ‘tar isteach’
To entertain – Here one strives to amuse an audience. Humorous Speeches are the most obvious; however, any speech can be entertaining without being ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny. A few anecdotes thrown in to elaborate on an experience – note – I did say a few – would grasp the audience.
To inspire – These speeches ask people to achieve noble goals or ideals or reach their highest potential.
The Second type of Purpose is the Specific Purpose. This is a one sentence statement about what you hope to accomplish in your speech. It should meet three criteria. The Statement should be –
Worded from Audience view point – what do you want them to be able to do having listened to your speech?
Specific - The wording must be precise
Attainable – The specific purpose should be realistic and possible to achieve
Keep the specific purpose clear and concise. The statement should be worded so that after your speech, you could actually test the audience to see if you achieved your specific purpose. Be careful to include only the main points and supporting facts and ideas that directly contribute to your specific speech purpose. The audience wants to know what you are going to talk about, so the beginning of your speech should tell them this succinctly. Knowing your specific purpose and being able to effectively organize your speech to achieve that purpose provide a big benefit for you the speaker. INCREASED CONFIDENCE. You may discover too that when you are interested in your topic, you feel better and more confident about yourself and your speech. And the audience in turn pays more attention to you. When you become totally involved, you forget your NERVES. Your objectives should be –
Select a topic, and determine it’s general and specific purpose
Organize the speech in a manner that best aachieves this purpose
Ensure the beginning; body; and conclusion reinforce the purpose
Project sincerity and conviction, and control any nervousness you may feel.
Take these words of wisdom and let them be your inspiration to go along to the next Toastmasters meeting in your area. IF you are fortunate to live in the vicinity of MALLOW – give Speakeasy Toastmasters a visit next THURSDAY 14th. We are having our Christmas Party and a little birdie told me that we are having a few spot prizes too. Maybe they might give me one for my eloquent words of Wisdom. I’ll keep hoping anyway!! The Lord loves a tryer!! So come along, we would love to see you. You can visit our web page www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or contact our PRO Loretto at 087/4118132 any time. Last but not least a very Holy and Peaceful Christmas to each and every one of our readers. Agus go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo aris
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