Public speaking is when you speak in front of an audience. Some examples of when you might need to do public speaking include; talking in front of the class, in a debate, presenting a project or participating in a public speaking competition at school.

It's more formal than everyday conversations. For example, the speaker usually talks to an audience (without being interrupted) in a structured way.

Some people love to talk and some people can't think of anything worse than public speaking! Even though it can sometimes be scary, public speaking is a great opportunity because it gives you a chance to communicate your ideas, knowledge or opinions to a large group of people.

Every year, hundreds of students take part in public speaking competitions in NSW schools. Some students go on to compete in local district, regional, state and national finals. At public speaking events, students make 2 speeches:

a prepared speech (which they have rehearsed)
an impromptu speech (a speech made up on the day, based around a surprise topic).

When we discuss a speech (and when adjudicators judge a speech) we look at something called the 3 Ms:

Matter is what you say
Manner is how you say it
Method is the structure of a speech.

In public speaking, the most important element is matter. Matter matters most!

However, it is also important to have good manner and method if you want your speech to be really effective.

In this class we are going to explore matter in depth.

Let's get started!

Matter

Matter is what you say in your speech. It's the words, stories, ideas and examples you use to explain your topic to the audience.

Watch the video Matter to learn more!

Matter

Duration: 01:17

Video full screen – Prepared speeches – Matter
Video transcript – Prepared speeches – Matter

Clarify anything that came up in the video that you don't fully understand.

In a group or individually, summarise the questions:

What is 'matter'?
Why is it important to have a point of view?
Why should you avoid writing a speech that's exactly like an information report? How could you improve it?
Should your whole speech only include personal stories? Why or why not?

Task

1. Watch and discuss the video about determining your purpose.

2. Identify the purpose

Watch Himaja Dave's speech from the Plain English Speaking Award NSW State Final in 2019.
Identify: what do you think Himaja’s larger purpose is?

Being aware of your purpose – Himaja Dave

Duration: 01:05

Video full screen - Being aware of your purpose - Himaja DaveVideo transcript - Being aware of your purpose - Himaja Dave

2019 Plain English Speaking Award – NSW State Final – Himaja Dave

Duration: 8:27

Video full screen - Plain English Speaking Award 2019 - NSW State Final - Himaja DaveVideo transcript - Plain English Speaking Award 2019 - NSW State Final - Himaja Dave

Task 3

Scroll through the image carousel below and select 3 images to analyse.

Each example has a very different purpose and context, which would affect the way the speech is delivered to the audience.

Select 3 to 5 images from the collection. For each image, identify and describe:

The context (situation or occasion) in which the speech is being given
The purpose of the speech.

Deciding on your topic

If you have the opportunity to come up with your own topic for a speech it can be difficult to know where to start!

When you pick a topic, don't forget to 'PIP' – pick something you are Passionate about, something that is Interesting, and something that is Purposeful.

Passionate: is this something you are genuinely interested in or passionate about?
(select the drop down arrow for more info)

The audience can tell straight away if you are not interested in your own topic. Presenting a speech on a topic of your choice is something to be valued – you have a unique opportunity to entertain, excite and perhaps even persuade the people in front of you.

Think, is there an issue in the world (or your world) that really resonates with you? If you had the full attention of an audience, what is something you think they should know about?

Interesting: is this topic unique or interesting? If it's a common topic, do I have a new and interesting perspective?
(select the drop down arrow for more info)

Start by thinking "Have I heard someone else make this speech before?" If the answer is yes, you should pick a different topic or find another way to talk about it. You could find a fresh perspective, a new angle or make unexpected links and parallels to something else in the world. Your aim is to keep your audience engaged, so think carefully about how you could do this.

For example, if you'd like to talk about the environment, find a new angle. Perhaps you've heard about some fantastic new technology that helps the environment. Or, you could discuss how certain things (such as a pandemic, major events or natural disasters like bushfires) might affect the environment.

Purpose: does it have a purpose or direction?
(select the drop down arrow for more info)

Do you want to persuade your audience, be empathetic or sympathetic, encourage them to take action or start thinking about something from a different perspective?

Think: how do I want the audience to feel after my speech? Am I trying to suggest they change their behaviour or thoughts about something? What is my end goal?

For example, don't just talk about your favourite sport because you love it. Find a purpose – why should your audience be interested in this topic? Your purpose could be:

to encourage people to play this sport over other sports
to explain how this sport improves teamwork skills
to describe how this particular sport has evolved through history and why it has changed over time.

Engaging topics

Making sure your speech is unique

Sometimes in public speaking, everyone is asked to talk about the same topic.

Other times, you might get to choose your own topic.

How do you make it stand out; how do you make a speech unique?

Depending on the situation, you can either:

pick a unique and unusual topic, or
find a new and interesting perspective for a common topic.

Task 1

Watch the video and listen to champion public speaker, Fanulla, explain more about her experiences with topic selection.

Engaging your audience

Duration: 2:34

Video full screen – Engaging your audience
Video transcript – Engaging your audience

Watch the two prepared speeches below. Identify:

Were the speakers passionate about their topic? How could you tell?
How did they approach their topic to make it interesting?
What was the purpose of their speech?

Prepared speech - The P Word by Emily Kim

Duration: 7:44

Video full screen – Prepared speech 'The P Word'
Video transcript - Prepared speech 'The P Word'

Prepared speech - Play-Doh by Emily An

Duration: 8:40

Video full screen – Prepared speech 'Play-doh'
Video transcript – Prepared speech 'Play-doh'

Task 2

Consider the broader topic of 'change for the future'. How can you make this into a speech that you are passionate about, that is interesting and has a purpose?

1. Think about and note down:

What is something you would like to see changed in the future? Make sure it something you are passionate about.
How would you make sure this topic is interesting; is it a unique topic or will you need to find a fresh angle on a common topic?
What would be the purpose of your speech – how do you want your audience to act, think or feel after listening to your speech?

2. Share and compare

Share and compare how you approached the topic with a peer or friend. Think about the differences and similarities between your two ideas for a speech on the same broad topic.

Dealing with complex and controversial issues

In some cases, the thing you are passionate about may be quite a complex and/or controversial issue. This doesn't mean the topic is 'off limits', but you will need to think about how you want to approach the topic to ensure you hit the right note with the audience.

In both cases, it's beneficial to offer a solution to the issue. Don't just leave the audience thinking "Wow, that whole situation is just a mess, it couldn't ever be fixed." Instead leave them with a 'call to action', a reason to hope, or a tangible strategy that could be used moving forward.

Complex issues

If an issue is particularly complex (in other words, it has a lot of elements, factors or groups of people involved) it can be hard to address the issue and do it justice in a 6 minute speech.

When addressing complex issues, it can be useful to break the topic up by linking the issue to yourself, linking it to the broader world, and making connections with the audience.

Try to ensure the topic remains engaging and thought-provoking by taking out unnecessary or unrelated ideas and don't try to follow too many threads.

Avoid a tangled mess – make your ideas clear and ensure your speech is easy to follow.

1. Watch the video of 'The Right Thing' by Tandee Wang. Tandee addresses quite a complex issue in this speech.

2. Discuss:

What was the speech about?
What was Tandee's purpose?
What strategies did he use to help make the complex issue easier to understand?
Did he provide the audience with a solution to the problem? If so, what was it?

Prepared speech - The Right Thing by Tandee Wang

Duration:

Video full screen – Prepared speech 'The Right Thing'
Video transcript – Prepared speech 'The Right Thing'

"Don't raise your voice, improve your argument" quote by Desmond Tutu.

Controversial issues

The important thing to keep front of mind is your purpose. If your purpose is to change people's view on something, you can't just tell them off in an angry way for 6 minutes. Think about how you would feel if someone spent 6 minutes telling you that you were completely wrong about something and you couldn't talk back... not a pleasant thought, right?

Your speech needs to come across as thought-out and well-considered. You could give your audience time to think, make thoughtful statements, use analogies, recite stories or relate ideas to similar issues. Consider using a balance of facts, opinions and emotion to convey the issue in a multitude of ways.

1. Watch the video of 'Discussing controversial issues in your speech' by Charlee Sutherland, champion public speaker.

2. Watch the two videos below by Charlee Sutherland and Sophie Mok.

3. Discuss:

What is Charlee's main piece of advice for discussing controversial topics?
What strategies did Charlee and Sophie use in their speeches to explain a controversial topic in an effective and persuasive (but not confrontational) manner?

Discussing controversial issues in your speech

Duration:

Video full screen – Discussing controversial issues in your speech
Video transcript – Discussing controversial issues in your speech

Congratulations!

You have completed this Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Class

You are on your way to becoming a great public speaker!

To investigate public speaking in more detail and explore a range of skills building activities you might like to complete these creative classes:

Starting with prepared speeches