I love kayaking. The rhythmic beat of the paddle cutting through the water. The rise and fall of the waves. The dazzle of light on water. The calmness and serenity of the sea.
A good speech holds the same elements. There needs to be a rhythm to your speech. When you read your sentence aloud the words need to flow together, not sound clunky. Play around with the choice of vocabulary and sentence structure, until it is just right.
Your voice needs to rise and fall like the waves. This holds the listeners attention. It’s easy to drift into a flat monotone when nervous.
There needs to be a touch of "dazzle." This can be as simple a smile flashed, a part of your speech acted out, a joke or a suitable quote.
Finally, calmness and serenity. You need to convey a calm, serene air. No matter what you’re speaking about, you need to project a solid presence, so the audience can connect with you. These elements combined, create the basis of a great speech. Rona Coghlan P.R.O.
Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7.50 p.m. 11th September. We meet alternate Thursdays. For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or contact Liam on 087 6380053 or Marie 087-9746947
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