Getting
Really Excited About Toastmasters!
Fellow Toastmasters
I like to share with you some
speech writing tips which I've read in the book, "How to Say It Best" authored
by Jack Griffin.
To write a good speech, you
have to
1. Make it simple
2. Make it short
To write a great speech, you
have to
1. Make it simpler
2. Make it shorter
You can try this formula for a
successful speech,
1. Tell them what you're going to tell them
2. Tell them
3. Tell them what you've told them
Some opening strategies that have proven
effective:
1. Jump right in with a declaration of your
subject: "Tonight, I will speak to you about...." Assuming your subject
is interest to your audience, this no-nonsense approach is quite effective
2. Jump right with an offer. "I am
here to tell you how to improve your sex life by at least 80%."
3. Conjure with the title of your speech.
"I've titled my speech 'Three Bags Full.' You have every right to ask:
full of waht?"
Some useful methods to organise your
speech body:
1. Chronology (a narrative of events from first
to last)
2. Cause and effect, or before and after
3. Need and fulfillment, or problem and
solution
Your speech should "add up" to a
logically justifiable conclusion.
1. End by referring to your opening.
"I began by stating such and such. I would like to conclude on the same
note."
2. Review the main ideas of your speech
3. End with an anecdote or story that
illustrates your main point(s).
4. End with an inspiring quotation
5. End with a rhetorical question.
"Is this kind of school board want? Are we satisfied that we have the best
school system possible?"
6. End with a call to actin or thought
Well, these are some tips that
you can learn and use to write your next speech (Share with your members
too). The key to becoming a good speaker is not to afraid of making mistakes
as learning is a lifelong process.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE.
Till we chance upon each other,
I wish you all the best in achieving your speaking goals with Toastmasters and
let us excel together.
Yours truly,
VP-Education
(2003/04)
Ulu Pandan
Toastmasters Club (Area Z4, Club No. 5205)
