Lesson 1 Criteria for Success

Speech delivery practice

A speech is not an assignment that can be done the night before; practice is essential. Practicing a speech will boost your confidence as a speaker and ease potential anxiety.

Podium/lectern practice

Using or not using a podium does not make or break a speech. If using a podium, it should not be used to hide from the audience.

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  Stand tall—do not hold or lean on the podium
  
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  Come out from behind the podium during the speech
  
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    Makes an impact especially at the conclusion of the speech
    
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    Allows audience to see you as a person, not just a face behind the podium
    
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  Use gestures
  
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    Be sure gestures can be seen
    
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  Make eye contact
  
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    It is easy with a podium to look down especially if you have notes or outlines
    
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    Maintain eye contact with the audience
    

Notes

Notes can be helpful. Know your instructor’s preference as some allow notes and some don’t. 

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  Practice using your notes or speaking outline
  
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    Make sure to look at the audience
    
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    Know your notes well enough to find what you need
    
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  Practice your speech
  
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    Know at what point(s) in your speech you may need to look down at your notes
    
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    Notes should be simple enough to keep the speech on track
    

Gestures

A gesture is the movement of your hands to express an idea. When practicing your speech, do not practice gestures, let them occur naturally.

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  Use natural gestures. Gestures should be relaxed and enhance your speech
  
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  Gestures should become part of the speech
  
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    If the topic is exciting, then be excited
    
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  Make gestures visible, even if using a podium/lectern
  
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  Use gestures sparingly. Gestures should not be what the audience remembers about your speech