Public Speaking
Communications
The National Democratic Institute
INTRODUCTIONS/
GROUND RULES
• Introductions
• Ground rules
• Ice breaker exercise
Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI
PUBLIC SPEAKING OBJECTIVES
• To learn and practice effective
public speaking techniques
• To reduce anxiety related to public
speaking
TOPICS
• Using your voice as a tool
• Non-verbal communication
• Writing, preparing for and delivering a
speech
• Interviewing and debating skills
Photo: NDI
KEY TERMS
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Public speaking
Gesture
Stage presence
Body language
Pitch
Tone
Other terms?
PUBLIC SPEAKING
• Voice
• Presentation
• Stage presence
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Physical appearance
• Words
Photo: NDI
WORDS, VOICE,
BODY LANGUAGE
VOICE
• Lower, Louder, Slower
VOICE
• Use voice as a tool
• Use vocal variety
• Keep voice steady
STAGE PRESENCE
• Imagine what
people see
• Be confident
• Keep energy high
Photo: NDI
EYE CONTACT
• Maintain eye contact
• 5 seconds per person
• -or- stare at their forehead or just
above
BODY LANGUAGE
• Posture/stance
• Hand gestures
Photo: NDI
BODY LANGUAGE
• Other gestures
• Walking and talking
• Smile!
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
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Jewelry
Colors
Clothes
Shoes
Hair/scarf
Makeup
EXERCISE: GOOD AND BAD
SPEAKING HABITS
PREPARING YOUR REMARKS:
BEFORE YOU START
Best Practices:
Know your audience
Know the occasion
Know the room
WRITING REMARKS
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Write like you speak
Outline form
Avoid technical terms
Avoid words that are hard to say
Structure:
Tell them
what you
will tell
them
Then, tell
them
Summarize
what you
told them
OPENING
Tell them what you will tell them
Address purpose/main objective(s)
Relate to audience
Establish credibility
Grab attention
BODY
Then, tell them
Main points
Organization/transitions
Examples and evidence
Visual aids
Anticipate questions
Photo: NDI
CLOSING
Summarize what you told them
 Summarize
 Tie back to your opening
 Call to action
BEFORE SPEAKING
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Rehearse
Anticipate questions
Bring remarks
Eat/drink with caution
Have water handy
Relax!
Photo: NDI
CONTROLLING YOUR NERVES
• Use nervous energy to
your advantage
• Anticipate negative
side effects to lessen
their impact
MEDIA INTERVIEWS
• Consider your audience
• Always refer back to your message
• Formats:
• Newspaper
• Radio
• Television
DEBATES
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Preparation is key
Pause to gather your thoughts
Keep time limits in mind
Respond to the question you want to
answer
Photo: NDI
EXERCISE: PRACTICE SPEECH
Deliver your message to the group
Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI
PUBLIC SPEAKING REVIEW
 Use your voice as a tool
 Pay attention to body language
 Tailor remarks to your audience
 Always return to your message
 Practice, practice, practice
 Anticipate questions