A common experience we all have faced with poor teachers; they will speak for an entire class of sixty minutes leaving the students clueless about what they were really trying to say even by the end of the class. What was lacking in their speech was a purpose or a clear objective.
The tile itself states, get to the point rather than beating around the bush. Speech three is all about defining a clear objective of the speech and focusing on targeting it.
Table of Contents
Objective
a) Determine the general purpose of the speech
Every speech must have a general purpose. A general purpose is the bigger picture. Your general purpose may be informative or persuasive. You may want to entertain the audience or inspire them. You do not really have to state it but you should be aware of it. For instance, if you want to talk about cars, the purpose of your speech should be to inform people about cars.
b) Determine the specific purpose of the speech
Specific topic is what you are going to talk about within your topic. For instance, you wish to inform the audience about cars. However that as a topic itself is very broad. Hence you boil it down to the main points you want to talk about. It could be about the most expensive cars in the world or about fixing cars or about an accident that you witnessed or were a victim of.
Once you have clearly defined the general and specific purposes, developing an introduction, body and conclusion will be effortless.
Evaluation Criteria
a) Clear general and specific purpose of the speech
The audience should be able to clearly understand the purpose of your speech. An ambiguous purpose will make the speech boring. The clearer the objective of your speech, the better you will be appreciated for it.
b) Supporting materials used
Try to incorporate appropriate content to support the purpose of your speech. For instance, if you are talking about expensive cars use facts and figures as evidences of their worth.
c) Speech organization
Your speech should be organized to meet your purpose well. Develop an attractive introduction. Draft the body to get to the point. Use the conclusion to summarized or emphasize the purpose. Flow effortlessly from one subject to another with the use of appropriate transitions.
d) Level of confidence
Try and completely avoid the use of notes if you can. This will portray an increase in the level of your confidence. Practice your speech and deliver it with confidence.
Tips and Techniques
a) Keep your focus on the objective
Your entire attention should be to target the objective. Omit every content that will deviate the speech from its path. Use only those materials that will get you to the point.
b) impactful supporting materials
Instead of merely stating your personal idea and views, bring in facts, stories quotations or other such material that will increase the effectiveness of your speech. You need to get to the point. But at the same time you need the audience to pay attention as well. Supporting material will keep the speech interesting.
c) Avoid the use of notes
You are already in the third speech. Do not underestimate yourself. Believe that you can and you will. Try and not use notes. Memorize your speech or at least the major points. Practice it in front of the mirror or your peers.
What will you benefit?
After the completion of the third speech you will have better skills to develop an effective speech. You will be more confident and interesting to listen to.
Sample Speeches
- http://sillylittlethings.blogspot.com/2007/08/toastmasters-speech-3.html
- http://www.samithpich.com/greatness-toastmasters-project-speech-3/
- http://alinecasanova.com/2012/07/19/toastmasters-speech-3/
- http://deepakpanigrahy.com/blog/2010/05/06/toastmaster-speech-3-get-to-the-point/
- http://toastmasters-ph.blogspot.com/2006/03/speech-project-no-3-get-to-point-to.html
- http://lifeinoleg.com/librarianship/3-get-to-the-point-terry-toaster-at-the-library
