q122/random_k2/random_1.md

Public Speaking & Presentations

Wri ti ng  & Co mmuni cati o n Co ns ul tati o ns

• Writing & Communication Consultations are free and includes

both virtual and in-person appointment options.

• Consultations use a peer mentoring model and can cover all
stages of the composition process and assist with course
assignments as well as professional documents.

• For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website:

https://www.asc.dso.iastate.edu/writingsuccess

Agenda

1. Brainstorming Ideas, Outlining, & Structuring Your Speech

2. Organization & Transition Examples

3. Introductions & Developing a Thesis

4. Delivery Strategies and Presenting Skills

5. Managing Anxiety & Constructive Feedback

*Check out additional resources through our website:
https://www.asc.dso.iastate.edu/oral-communication-resources

Brainstorming Strategies

• Strategies

• Read the whole assignment and ask the instructor questions.
• Talk through topics with a friend.
• Free-write and use looping (find the best ideas and free-write

again focusing on those narrowed ideas).

• Create a simple outline or mind map.
• Create a list or answer who, what, where, when, why, how

questions.

Outlining

• Structuring brainstorming notes into a draft

• What are the assignment expectations for organization?
• What main points are needed to support your thesis?
• How many sources should you integrate and cite?
• How can you flow logically between these ideas?

Structuring Your Speech

Length and other criteria vary,
but organization helps
comprehension!
• Organize thoughts into a

pattern of body
subsections.

• Create flow between
subsections with
transitions.

• Set your agenda with thesis
& preview statements.

Organization

What is the purpose of your speech? What organization expectations do
you need to prepare for based on the audience, assignment, etc.?

•

Inform
• Chronological (linear/time)
• Spatial (space)
• Topical (topic/categories)

• Persuasive

• Problem, Cause, Solution
• Comparative Advantage (use when problem is recognized by

multiple solutions exist)

• Refutation (use when responding to opposition)
• Monroe’s Motivated Sequence (used to inspire action)

Transition Examples

Transitions vary based on content or organization and can be both internal
and between primary sections.

• Sequence signposts: First, next, then, in conclusion
• Hook: Now that we’ve explored ___, let’s look closer at____.
• Signal relationship between ideas: similarly, in contrast to, generally,

consequently

• Provide emphasis: in particular, for example

Introductions

•

Introduce what the topic is, why it’s
important, and what you want the
audience to do next.
• Gain attention
• Set the context and relevance for

audience

• State thesis/claim
• Provide preview/roadmap

Why/So What?

2

3

1

What

Now What?

Introduction Example

Anonymous vandals scrawl hate-filled graffiti outside a Jewish student center. Black students
at a law school find unsigned fliers stuffed inside their lockers screaming that they do not
belong there. Hate speech is rarely an invitation to a conversation. More like a slap in the
face, it reviles and silences. A few federal courts have declared overly broad hate-speech
codes unconstitutional, as well they should. Nothing is gained by a rule so broad it could be
construed as forbidding the discussion of controversial subjects such as evolution or
affirmative action. But this is not what most people mean by hate speech, nor are colleges
barred from drafting narrow rules that hone in on the conduct they wish to control. And
when they do, courts are very likely to be in their favor. Reasonable rules aimed at
accommodating that diversity and regulating the conduct of bullies and bigots are to be
applauded—not feared.
**example condensed from Delgado (2012)

Practice: Strengths and areas of improvement for how they gained attention, set the
context and relevance, and stated the claim? What could their preview be?

Thesis Development

• Thesis: Single sentence that establishes

your specific argument

• Practice: What is a topic you are

passionate about and how could you
create an effective thesis statement related
to this topic?

Practicing Your Speech

• Practice out loud with someone, in front of a mirror, or record

yourself.

• Stand, move around, and practice gesturing while rehearsing.
•

If something isn’t working, change the script or speaker
notes!
• Add reminders to breathe, smile, change slides, etc.
• Write out difficult parts (like verbal citations) by hand.

Pra cti ced Del i ver y vs . Ro te Memo ri zati o n

Practiced

Memorized

Strategically practicing your speech content
in advance so you can deliver it in a natural,
engaging way. Unlike reciting word-for-word,
this form is allows for some light
improvisation

Reciting something word-for-word as it was
written out during the preparation stage.

Generally comes off as friendlier, more
passionate, and more conversational

Has a tendency to come across as robotic if
you get caught up in the words instead of
the ideas behind them

Examples: teachers lecturing, conference
presenters, etc.

Examples: actors delivering lines, lawyers
citing the law, etc.

Presenting Skills

Verbal Delivery Components

• Volume/Pitch

• Rate

•

Inflection

• Pauses

• Pronunciation

• Articulation

Presenting Skills

Nonverbal Delivery Components

• Eye Contact

•

Facial Expressions

• Posture

• Gestures

• Use of space

Virtual Presentation Skills

• Make eye contact by looking directly
at your camera (not the screen).

• Use facial expressions to emote (use
your eyebrows, tilt your head, etc.).

• Practice to troubleshoot technology

Managing Anxiety

The Journal of Voice (2017)

reports that the majority of college
students report a fear of public
speaking anxiety

64%

Pinpoint Your Anxiety

• Before you start preparing: Address questions/concerns & avoid

procrastinating

• While you’re preparing: Practice and try to find ways to add fun or

creativity to reframe anxiety.

• Day before presenting: Visualize success and use positive self-talk by

considering what will happen when things go well.

• During the delivery: Use practiced movements to constructively release

tension.

Let ’s Try It!

Move
•
•
•
•

Take a walk
Do jumping jacks
Dance
Shake it off

Stretch
•
•
•
•

Reach for the ceiling
Gentle Twist
Neck Roll
You don’t even have
to leave your desk!

Breathe
•

Take abdominal
breaths—in for 5
sec. & out for 5
sec.

References

Delgado, R. (2012). Hate cannot be tolerated. In G. Goshgarian, (Ed.), What
matters in America: Reading and writing about contemporary culture
(pp. 198-199). Pearson.

Gunn, James. Speech Craft. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2017.
Marinho, A. C. F., et al. “Fear of Public Speaking: Perception of College

Students and Correlates.” Journal of Voice, vol. 31, No. 1, 2017, p. 127.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2015.12.012