Competent Communicator

Here’s a list of the first 10 speech projects as presented in the Competent Communicator manual. The choice of topic is up to the speaker, and these projects allow you to focus on different areas of preparing and delivering your speech. The provided feedback criteria facilitates effective evaluation.

Speech #1 - The Ice-Breaker

Objectives:

  • "Break the Ice" - To begin speaking before an audience by introducing yourself to your fellow club members.
  • Begin to speaking skills you already have, and skills that need some attention.
  • Time:  4 to 6 minutes

Speech #2 - Organize Your Speech

Objectives:

  • Select an appropriate outline, which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech.
  • Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message.
  • Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another.
  • Create a strong opening and conclusion.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes

Speech #3 - Get to the Point

Objectives:

  • Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purposes.
  • Organize the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes.
  • Ensure the beginning, body, and conclusion reinforce those purposes.
  • Project sincerity and conviction; Control any nervousness you may feel.
  • Strive not to use notes.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes 

Speech #4 - How to Say It

Objectives:

  • Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly, accurately, and vividly.
  • Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasize ideas.
  • Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words.  Use correct grammar.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes

Speech #5 - Your Body Speaks

Objectives:

  • Use stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to express your message and achieve the purpose of your speech.
  • Make your body language smooth and natural.
  • Focus on methods of delivery, but do not overlook speech content.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes

Speech #6 - Vocal Variety

Objectives:

  • Use volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message.
  • Use pauses to enhance your message.
  • Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes

Speech #7 - Research Your Topic

Objectives:

  • Collect information about your topic from numerous sources.
  • Carefully support your points and opinions with facts, examples, and illustrations gathered through research.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes 

Speech #8 - Get Comfortable With Visual Aids

Objectives:

  • Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.
  • Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes

Speech #9 - Persuade With Power

Objectives:

  • Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.
  • Appeal to the audience's interests.
  • Use logic and emotion to support your position.
  • Time:  5 to 7 minutes

Speech #10 - Inspire Your Audience

Objectives:

  • Inspire the audience by appealing to noble motives and challenge the audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement.
  • Appeal to the audience's needs and emotions using stories, anecdotes, and quotes to add drama.
  • Avoid using notes.
  • Time:  8 to 10 minutes