<p>So, I was chosen by our principal to deliver this speech concerning art this coming Tuesday, and I’m slightly apprehensive. I’m not the best orator, but I am articulate. This speech is not going to be funny, so I hope that the whole school doesn’t fall asleep on me… Could some people give me some tips on how to deliver a good speech? Also, does it really matter if you do/do not look up from your paper during your delivery? As introverted as it sounds, I really don’t want to make eye contact with the audience… :(</p>
<p>First of all, you’re not even supposed to make eye contact with your audience! Always aim your vision at a small distance above the ‘eye levels’. Since its a formal speech from the sounds of your post, you should look up for as long as you can and not look down on your paper too often. It’s best to deliver a speech by speaking from your chest, which is much stronger than your regular everyday conversation speech, and will add excellent emphasis to your articulation.</p>
<p>I don’t think that’s a correct usage of the word introverted…</p>
<p>anyhow… </p>
<p>It’d be nice if you could look up from your paper. o - o it gives so much more life and energy to a speech. If you can’t look at the audience, ask the lightbox people if they can direct a spotlight at you so you can’t really see the audience. OR find a spot at the back of the auditorium to look up at. </p>
<p>if you’ve only got yourself, a mike, and a podium. Gestures and expressions are your friends :] </p>
<p>Keep everything short and sweet… people usually fall asleep at speeches when things are either genuinely uninteresting to them or if things are redundant. Wittiness will be a plus. It’ll draw people in and maybe cause a few laughs [in a good way though]. </p>
<p>Sound confident. This is extremely difficult but the louder you speak and the less you pause hesitantly and say filler words like "uh… " “um” and the ilk, the more clear it is that you believe in what you’re saying. And, if people see you believe in your words, they are more compelled to listen.</p>
<p>Oh yeah. Practice a lot. Practice in front of friends, family, teachers… etc. :] see what they think!</p>