I couldn’t possibly ...

Press, 3 February 1987, Page 10

I couldn’t possibly ...

Women need not be terrified of making a speech, JEAN FIELDING maintains.

As housework becomes simplified by the everincreasing number of gadgets, more women than ever are spending some of their leisure time in a club, where eventually they will be expected to make a speech. Yet even the idea of proposing a brief vote of thanks Initially terrifies most of us.

"I couldn’t possibly make a speech,” sighs Mrs D — though she can talk incessantly to her neighbours. But the technique of speech-making is the same whether 10, 20, or 200 people are listening. A speech is only a one-sided conversation.

Any woman with determination, concentration and imagination should be able to deliver a good speech if she learns to grip her audience immediately.

Friends often comment: “Mary’s wonderful... she can speak anywhere.” But comparatively few people can make an impromptu speech, for these casualsounding votes of thanks have invariably been well-rehearsed.

Even the great orator, Sir Winston Churchill, declared categorically: “I must have at least three days’ notice before making an impromptu speech.” You can join an organisation that teaches public speaking, or develop your own technique. To talk about any subject careful planning is vital. Learn as much as possible about the topic, as knowledge increases confidence, thus assuring a smooth delivery.

Consider the subject in your mind for a few days, then jot down every thought, however irrelevant, on paper. Discuss the matter with acquaintances, their views will make excellent anecdotes which make the speech come alive. Research carefully for facts, but don’t overload any speech with figures or dates. Arrange the ideas in a logical sequence, developing a plan to indicate precisely the line your speech is going to adopt. No-one is interested in a rambling speaker; ‘ r . Avoid using notes, for these are confusing and

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tend to distract the listeners.

A better idea is to print headings on small pieces of cardboard which are easily handled. Facts cannot be conveyed clearly unless your thoughts are tabulated.

When possible, introduce some humour into your speech. Overcome your nerves by amusing the audience with a joke when you stand up, for this relaxes everyone.

Rehearse your speech constantly, for this enables you to memorise the main essentials. Learning it parrot-fashion is Inadvisable; if you forget a key word your speech might break down. Master the main structure, then be guided by the printed cards. Practise in front of a mirror, and avoid overgesticulation, a fixed stare, or other mannerisms.

Persuade your family to listen to your nearfinished speech so that they can criticise minor imperfections, or listen to a tape-recording of the speech. One experienced speaker told me: “Even when I have mastered my speech, I still suffer badly with nerves.”

Most speakers experience tension at times, but learn to disguise their emotions. Some famous speech-makers declare emphatically: "Tension improves delivery.”

The late Lord Justice Birkett advised a new speaker: “Never agree to speak on something that isn’t your line. Unless you know what you’re talking about, how can you hope to entertain others?”

Talk about your work, hobbies, sports, flowers, families, animals, or travels: a personal touch makes a speech more attractive for women listeners.

Speech-making cari be an exhilarating pastime. Overseas it is sometimes lucrative. Develop a style of your own, find a forceful beginning and ending, with plenty of meat in the middle, and you’ll never be short of listeners, or the courage to speak your mind.