HOW TO MAKE A “ FEW WORDS” TALK

            This situation happens with such unfailing regularly that, although obviously you cannot be prepared for the specific occasion, you can give some thought to preparation in a general way.

YOUR SPEECH PLAN

1.      State a view point

2.      Support it

3.      Summarize and conclude

State a view point

            What could your view point be? Well, there are countless depending upon the particular circumstances and conditions surrounding the meeting.

Suggested points:

ü  Did you enjoy the warm welcome?

ü  The meal?

ü  The drinks?

ü  The entertainment?

ü  The new meeting place?

ü  The general planning?

ü  The presence of new member? Of old members?

ü  The efficacy of the master of ceremonies? Of the presiding officer?

ü  The fellowship

These are just suggestions, each of which can be broken down into a number of subheadings.

Support it

            Under this heading, offer some evidence to support the opinion you have just stated.

You may do this in a serious vein, if you wish, or in a humorous one, it you prefer.

Summarize and conclude:

Suggested conclusions:

·         Briefly review the point you have made

·         Close with a suitable question

·         Tell an appropriate story or anecdote

ILLUSTRATION

            OCCASION: Rotary Club Meeting

            SPEAKER: A Member

            Mr. President and gentlemen:

                        Viewpoint. This has been a most interesting meeting – until now.

                        I’m no speaker, nor can I produce any evidence that I ever claimed to be.

However, after participating in the Jaycees Effective Speaking Seminar sponsored by the local; Jaycees that gave me a very keen appreciation of those who do speak well, I’d  like to confine my brief remarks upon the speaking ability of our guests speaker as well as the members of our club.

Support. I really believe that tonight has been an outstanding night in the history of our organization.

We have listened to an instructive and inspiring address from our guests speaker and we have conducted the agenda of our meeting with efficiency and dispatch.

I noticed that some our new members were on their feet and that they took an active part in all proceedings. I should like to congratulate those younger members upon their initiative.

Conclusion. To me, Mr. president, this has been a wonderful evening because of a delightful address and the encouraging signs of interests displayed by our new members.

Let’s all give them a great, big round of applause.

SUGGESTIONS

1.      Keep your remarks brief.

2.      Do not antagonize anyone with the sentiments you express.

3.      Let your congratulations be your basic theme.

Source: Hands Out RBEC Seminar 2001