Public Speaking Tips For Teens

Capital City Chapter Raleigh, NC – March 3, 2019 compiled by Dr. Toni Arnold-McFarland

Public SpeakingTips For Teens

What is public speaking? • The art and process of communicating information to an audience.

President Barack Obama

Yolanda Renee King, Granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Dr. Toni Arnold-McFarland

Who are some public speakers you admire?

Why do you like them?

• Speaker

• Why? • She’s poised • She’s confident • She speaks in terms everyone can understand.

• Her style of delivery is engaging.

It makes me want to listen.

Why do people avoid public speaking?

Why do people avoid public speaking?

• Overall anxiety and fear • Lack of preparation • Prior experience was not good • The topic is difficult • There may be questions asked that the speaker doesn’t know • Fear of saying something incorrectly.

• Fear of being ridiculed, talked about negatively, unaccepted, etc.

• Nervousness will be too distracting.

• The speech content might be boring to the audience • The speaker might be boring to the audience • Concerns of dialect and language skills make it difficult to be understood.

• Speech disorder or impediment makes public speaking more difficult.

Tips for public speaking

Be Prepared

Know your audience

Practice

Focus on your Purpose

Be Prepared What will I say?

How will I say it?

• Research the subject matter • Define the objectives/ key points important to your message • Determine Speech Style - best for the message (persuasive, informative, demonstrative, special occasion) • Know Your Natural Style – tell a story, use examples, humorous, genuine, poised/serious ; adjust as needed • Type of Speech Delivery - Manuscript, Memorize, Impromptu, Outline/Extemporaneous • Determine Physical Delivery – Voice Use, Body Language (facial expressions, eye contact, gestures)

Be Prepared Where will I say it?

• Podium, Stage, Auditorium, Small Group, Class

How much time will I have?

• Find out in advance (practice timing yourself)

What devices/tools will I have and need for effectiveness?

What should I wear?

• Projector, Slides/Handouts (Proofread), Microphone, Monitors, Webcast • Dress for the occasion; if unsure, dress to impress

Know Your Audience Research and anticipate their questions/key interest.

Speak in terms and language the audience will understand.

Adjust your personal style to be most effective for the message.

Know what topics to avoid.

Know the best way to keep their attention.

Practice Practice your speech in front of someone who will give you honest feedback.

Record yourself.

Listen and watch it.

Make adjustments.

Practice at the venue with equipment you will use. Have good volume. Use the mic.

Find platforms where you can speak publicly to improve your skills.

Practice with the anticipation of interruptions and distractions.

The more you speak publicly the more comfortable you get.

Focus On Your Purpose Determine key causes and purpose that you are passionate about.

Find opportunities to speak publicly on your passions.

Your purpose/cause will require you to speak about it publicly.

You will need to speak up and be the voice of change.

Other opportunities will be revealed.

Have mentors to guide you on your purposes/causes.

Jobs that require public speaking • Teacher / Professor / Educator/Instructor • Lawyer / Legislator • Military Official/Armed Forces/Law Enforcer • Politician / Elected Official/Community Activist • Actor/Entertainer/Performer/Motivational Speaker • Scientist/Engineer/Technical Professionals • Doctor/Nurse/Medical Professionals • Journalist/Newscaster/Radio Personality/Show Host • Pastor/Church Leader/Worship Leader/Public Servant

Famous Public Speaker who overcame stuttering

https://www.stutteringhelp.org/famous-people/james -earl-jones

Moses had speech challenges • Exodus 4:10 says that when God asked Moses to speak for him, Moses came up with the excuse that he was “slow of speech and tongue.” Some Bible commentators have suggested that Moses might have suffered from some sort of speech impediment. However, it’s more likely that Moses was simply resisting God because he was unwilling to return to Pharaoh’s court and stand up for the Hebrew slaves.

• What we do know about Moses is that he was brought up as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter and would have benefitted from the finest education. That’s why Acts 7:22 says Moses was instructed “in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.” That is not a contradiction of what Moses said in Exodus 4:10.

• The events that led up to the exodus of the Hebrews out of Egypt testify to the fact that God used Moses and his brother in the outworking of His divine plans. It was God who enabled Moses. Moses’ feeble excuse that he was “slow of speech and tongue” didn’t work. In spite of Moses’ failings, God saw fit to use him and to empower him. Because God was with Moses then no impediment, real or imagined, would stand in God’s way. https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/66499/di d-moses-have-a-speech-impediment

God’s plan will fit you for your purpose Jeremiah: 29: 11 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Civil Rights Movement Naomi Wadler March For Our Lives, Gun Control Movement

Sybrina Fulton, Black Lives Matter

One does not always plan to become a public speaker. Sometimes it occurs because you have to do it, not because you want to do it.

If you are fulfilling a divine calling or purpose, you will have to speak to be the voice of change or to be a voice for the voiceless.

Activity – Practice Your Public Speaking

What is an elevator speech?

• It is a brief 30 second commercial about you.

• It tells who you are.

• It explains your goals or what you are looking for.

• It tells how you can benefit a company, organization, or cause.

Why is an elevator speech important? • It provides a prepared personal and live promo about you. • It provides a good impression that should be consistent with your overall public image. (Be sure social media does not negate it). • It is useful for networking, career planning, and self-promotion of your skills and abilities.

Don’t be afraid to speak up!

“Public speaking has improved my selfconfidence, it has allowed me new opportunities, and it is enabling me to fulfill God’s purpose in my life. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

Speak up respectfully with wisdom, with selfcontrol and carefully choosing your words.

Words are powerful. Once you release them, you cannot take them back.

Use them to be a voice of change. Use them to be a voice for the voiceless. What will you speak on today? “ ---- Dr. Toni

Write your elevator speech • It tells who you are.

• It explains your goals or what you are looking for.

• It tells how you can benefit a company, organization, or cause.

My Elevator Speech I’m Dr. Toni Arnold-McFarland, an author and music ministry consultant with 25 years of experience as a church musician.

My focus is on addressing unique issues identified in the African-American Worship Experience.

My research, books, training and strategic plans address challenges faced that hinder growth.

I’d love to help you move your music ministry move forward to face your future.

If you’re ready to go to the next level, contact me on LinkedIn or via GospelMusicOneSound.com

Who wants to share their speech?

Any questions on info covered today?

What did you learn today that you will apply right away?

Contact Info Dr. Toni Arnold-McFarland, Author/Lecturer/Scholar in African American Worship • Eflat Major Productions, LLC • GospelMusicOneSound.com • GospelMusicOneSound@gmail.com • 919-576-0051