Presentations and Public Speaking

I have already, briefly, written about the public speaking class that I took over this last summer. It basically sums up my public speaking experience in that 8-week class. During that time we were assigned many different types of speeches to present to the class. The one thing that stayed consistent throughout the entire class, no matter the speech type, was that we needed an outline or some form of notes. 

Having these notes typed up and ready to go prior to our speeches was required for the class, but it was also to get us into the habit of using them. For the most part everyone had their notes/outlines ready to go but when someone didn’t have them, it was obvious during their presentations.

They were disorganized, jumping around with no clear direction, losing their place, and more often than not, they would go way over their time limit. Because of the disorganization, it was very difficult to understand the point they were attempting to make and made the whole speech seem like a waste.

By having an outline prepared, with clear and distinct purpose and points to keep you on track and moving, you are more likely to give an effective presentation.

We also had a few instances where an outline/notes were prepared but they hadn’t practiced their speech. The entire presentation would be choppy, with the majority of the time them staring at the outline and just reading off of it.

Using a detailed outline that has been practiced until you only need it as a guide instead of a crutch is imperative to giving a good speech.