Speaking 101

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Carma

Over the past several posts, I’ve shared excerpts from a workshop I did on basic public speaking skills. In effect, I’ve created a mini-course in how to develop your first speech. To make it easy for you, I’ve organized these video excerpts into an eight-week course in basic public speaking. Enjoy!

How to use this mini course:

The information is structured as an eight-week course, with one module per week. Although it is possible to go through this material all in one day, I don’t recommend it. Take in one module at a time to allow yourself to absorb each piece of the overall public speaking puzzle. Do one module a day (or week) and you’ll be fine!

The core of each module is the Lesson video or videos. Each video is around 2 to 4 minutes long, so they won’t take up much of your time. Everything else is supplementary and there to enhance the lesson. They are there as additional supplementary material for you to use if you want to.

Tools you’ll need to get the most out of this course

  • A spiral notebook to journal about your experience and write your assignments
  • A digital video recording device to record your presentation for self-critique.

Would you like help moving through this course?

Carma Spence, author of Public Speaking Super Powers, is available for private and group training in public speaking. She can help you through these modules and provide you with feedback and accountability. Contact her for more information.

Module 1: The Benefits of public speaking

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Journal about what you want public speaking to do for you in general, and what you want this course to do for you in particular.

Module 2: How to organize a speech

Videos:

Handout:

Assignment:

  • Decide on the title and purpose of the speech you will write for this course.

Supplementary reading:

Module 3: How to open a speech

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Develop the opening of your speech. It doesn’t have to be perfect … you can come back to it once you’ve developed the body, but at least come up with how you’d like to start it.

Supplementary reading:

Module 4: The body of the speech

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Develop the body of your speech.
  • If what you’ve developed suggests a change to the opening, modify your opening, as well.

Supplementary reading:

Module 5: How to close a speech

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Develop your speech conclusion.

Module 6: Speech enhancers

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Practice your speech and watch. Do this in front of a mirror. Watch for gestures.

Supplementary reading:

Module 7: Perfecting your speaking skills

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Video record yourself giving your speech. Watch the video and note where you did well, and where you could use some improvement, in regards to gestures, vocal variety, eye contact and filler words. Repeat this process as often as necessary to accomplish your goals for the speech.

Supplementary reading:

Module 8: Dealing with fear and nerves

Videos:

Assignment:

  • Journal about your experience with this course. Re-read your first journal entry. Were you able to get out of this course what you hoped?

Supplementary reading:

Would you like help moving through this course?

Carma Spence, author of Public Speaking Super Powers, is available for private and group training in public speaking. She can help you through these modules and provide you with feedback and accountability. Contact her for more information.

About Carma

Carma Spence, author of Public Speaking Super Powers, is an award-winning editor with more than 20 years experience in marketing, public relations and science communication. She is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, a certified life coach, science fiction writer and poet. She is able to see people's brilliance and help them bring their genius to light. The wind beneath her clients’ wings, Carma provides creative entrepreneurs with expert advice on branding and online presence, as well as the emotional support necessary to carve out their niche for success online. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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