Public Relations and Social Marketing

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SOCIAL MARKETING 4(1+3)

Lesson 6 : Preparation of Public Speech

Technical Aspects of Speech Preparation and Delivery

1. Preparing the Manuscript
1. The manuscript should be typed in double- or triple-spacing with a large, "readable" typeface. Leave generous margins on the left and right for last-minute notes or corrections.
2. Do not fasten the pages together, so that one will be able to move easily from one page to another during the speech without a great deal of paper-shuffling and folding.



Checking the Locale

1. If possible, check out the room one will be speaking in well before the speech. Note the size of the room and the acoustics. If there is an amplification system, try it to see what the power, effect, and distortion is.
2. If using visual aids, check that they can be seen from all parts of the room, and should know how to operate any necessary equipment.



Visual Considerations
If using visual aids, in addition to making sure they are visible, also make sure that they explain their point clearly, but that they do not somehow "distract" from either the point or the speech by their appearance.

2. Delivery
1. Remember adequate volume, and the care in enunciation, pronunciation and phrasing required for speaking in large rooms. Plan and practice any gestures one want to use to reinforce points.
2. Make sure that one should have good eye contact with all parts of the audience throughout the speech.
3. Remember to position yourself properly on the rostrum and then pause for a moment longer before beginning your speech.