Oral Presentations in VCE English

How to approach public speaking

What is the purpose of your speech?What are you trying to achieve?EngageInformImpact

Why give a Speech?

Understand the task – what do you need to do?• Present your interpretation of

the context and how it is presented in your chosen text.• Have a clear interpretation with

supporting points• Use a variety of evidence from

the text

How do you prepare an effective speech?

Brainstorm your ideas for the topic• How does the text explore

identity?• How does the text explore

belonging?• What is your initial

interpretation?

How do you prepare an effective speech?

Form a Theory• Clearly state your

interpretation.Consider the questions you must address from the Easter homework hand out.• What are your main points and

what order will you present them in?

• Is the progression of ideas logical?

How do you prepare an effective speech?

Flesh out• Develop supporting

explanations for each point, referring to the text to support your ideas!

How do you prepare an effective speech?

Introduction:• Greet your audience and introduce

yourself• HOOK - Grab attention – unusual fact,

emotive anecdote, statistic, quote, question, shock tactic.• State your purpose clearly• Refer to main points you will expand on,

in the order you will make the points.

Structuring your Speech: Introduction

Body: Give the reasons that support your contention in a clear, logical order (like paragraphs)Paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4:• State the point you are making (question you are addressing)

(TOPIC SENTENCE) and signpost clearly (firstly, secondly, additionally, finally etc)• Give evidence: discuss how the text, the words, lyrics, characters, themes, events

etc reflect the questions you are addressing.• Elaborate! Don’t just tell us that ‘Wolverine struggles to belong.’ Discuss why and

how!

Structuring your Speech: Body

Conclusion: re-state• Restate your theory• Refer to main points (briefly)• Finish with punch (POW): question,

quote, prediction: eg. What have you learned about identity/belonging based on the text? Or how does it affect humanity overall?

Structuring your Speech: Conclusion

The 3 Ps:• Pause: use gaps in your speech to add meaning and

emphasis. Wait before and after important points to ensure your message is being heard.• Pace: watch the speech of your deliver – if it is too fast, your

audience won’t follow and your words will have less impact. Vary the pace to be interesting.• Pitch: Vary your volume, register, and intonation to maintain

interest and emphasise different points. Don’t be monotone and DON’T READ!

Know your speech and avoid ums and aahsDon’t giggle, laugh or apologise

How to deliver your speech

The Audience• The focus of your speech should be the audience. Don’t ignore them. • Make meaningful eye contact – Four Corners rule (ensure you direct your

attention to all parts of the room, not just at the teacher)• Speak to them, don’t read to them

How to deliver your speech

Additional Resources• Use additional resources to support

your speech• They shouldn’t detract from what you

are saying• Visual texts should support the point

you are making • Slideshows should have minimal

words (10 per slide).• Words on the slide must be consistent

with what you are saying!• Videos should be short (30 seconds)

and relevant• Practice using your technology to

ensure it runs smoothly.• No excuses for technology failure

How to deliver your speech

Non-verbal communication:• Posture: stand straight and strong, don’t

slouch, sit, lean. Square your shoulders. • Body Language: Don’t slouch; keep your

head up; open body (don’t cross arms or turn away).

• Movement: Move purposefully across a room, if you wish to use the space, otherwise keep still, don’t shift your weight from leg to leg.

• Gestures: can be powerful and meaningful, but must be intentional. Avoid hand movements that are distracting: tapping, playing with your hair, general waving, shrugging etc.

• Eye Contact: make regular contact with individuals in all areas of the room.

How to deliver your speech

Cue Cards• Have notes as prompts for your speech, dot points and key facts.• Small enough to hold in one hand.• Don’t have an A4 page or strips of an A4 page cut up!• Key words will help you speak your ideas rather than read them• Do not write too much on one card, or write it too small – use as

many cards as you need. These can help you from losing your piece.

How to deliver your speech

Rehearsal• ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!!• You need to completely know your speech

and what you want to say.• Reading your speech will not allow you to

pass the outcome• Use all your resources when practising (cue

cards, powerpoint)• Practise in front of a mirror, friends, family.• Take critical feedback and improve.

How to deliver your speech

Believe what you’re saying:• Your audience won’t be

interested if you’re not.• Ensure you know what

you are talking about (or appear to be!). This will engage the audience.

How to deliver your speech

Fear, nervesLack of Knowledge and rehearsal; underprepared; Not interested in the topicReadingSpeed of speech (usually too fast)Trying to give too much information without leaving the audience time to process and think.Thinking you must be perfectThink that the audience will be criticalSpeaking to the teacher!

What prevents people from making an effective speech?

Practise, Practise, Practise

How to overcome these things