17 - How to Practice Your Speech
If a guideline pertains to a particular assignment, it will be noted.
Read aloud your (excellent) preparation outline a couple times.
Make your brief key word speaking notes.You may put your source citations, statistics, quotes, and your full introduction and conclusion in the speaking notes. You may write them out.
Practice from your speaking notes a few times.Your goal is to familiarize yourself with the concepts and ideas of the speech, not the words that you’ve written, so that you can present the speech without reading it. Be extemporaneous!
Practice with your visual aid! (If applicable.)
Add delivery cues (stage directions). Remind yourself of when to use the visual aid, if applicable. Write in things like “EYE CONTACT” or “PAUSE.”
Time yourself! You may have to add or cut out material. Check with your instructor about time limits.
If you finish below the minimum time, your speech will not adequately address all of the components required in the assignment and you will lose points (for things such as undeveloped ideas).
If you go beyond the maximum time, you have not met the time requirements for that speech, your audience may get bored, and you will lose points.
Point deductions will be taken off the speech grade for being over or under the allotted two minute window on the speech.
Therefore, prepare and practice to get your speech within the two-minute leeway between the minimum and maximum times. Start early!
