LWV California Voter. Speakers Training Workshop

California Voter Online!
The League of Women Voters of California

SUMMER 1999

Speakers Training Workshop

From the LWVC On-Line Convention Newsletter May 14, 1999

Ruth Parott, a member of Toastmasters International, and John Hancock, from cable TV's California Channel, presented tips on how to be an effective speaker -- on and off camera. Ruth summarized two quick methods for preparing speeches: the Post-it Note Method and the Brainstorming Method.

Using the Post-it Note Method, you write down, in a sentence or two, the essence of what you want to say to the group. This becomes both your opening and your closing statement (in line with the old advice, first tell me what you are going to say, then say it, then tell me what you said). In the middle, you fill in with three major points - each written on a separate Post-it (for a three- to five-minute speech). The major point should be geared toward two kinds of audience members: the "I want the facts!" type of person, and the "How will this will affect people?" kind of person. To connect with each, you should have one point for each type.

Ruth's second method, the Brainstorming Method, is to draw a circle on a blank piece of paper. Write your main point in the circle. Outside the circle, write whatever thoughts might come to you about it within 15 minutes. Then winnow it down. If you must type up your speech, this will make you better prepared.

Ruth shared some websites for sources on speaking:

www.Toastmasters.org (Toastmasters International)
www.la.psu.edu/speech/lOOA (University of Pennsylvania Speech Workbook, a 35-page book that you can download and print for free! Check it out!).

John Hancock of the California Channel talked about how to be a more effective speaker on television. He taught us to look straight into the camera, speak calmly, avoid hand gestures, and make points quickly. This will help your credibility with the audience. If you make a little mistake, keep going! If you make a big mistake, pause -but do not apologize - and then go on make your statement correctly. How you dress and look on TV is very important. Avoid wearing bright white, horizontal stripes, bright red, and small patterns. Make sure the clothes contrast with each other and with the background of the studio, but not too much. Colors that are normally good on TV are pink, tan, and gray. John told us how television makes a person look ten to fifteen pounds heavier, so make sure your clothes are slim and comfortable, but not tight. One or two pieces of jewelry, or a nice scarf, are fine. The bright lights require a person to wear makeup using warm colors. John reminded us to remember our audience. Get to your point right away, or they will click the remote. Most important, practice what you are going to say in front of a mirror so that you are comfortable with your message. -- Jacquie Canfield, LWV Fresno, E-mail: (jcanfield@worldnet.att.net)