WeVoi Preparation Tips
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society
To speak is to conquer your fear of failing, for the greater purpose of making the world a better place.
WHY we speak shall be our will for a better world,
HOW we speak shall be with words of courage and bravery, and
WHAT we speak shall definitely be the change we want to see in the world!
TED’s secret to great public speaking
Chris Anderson
How to speak so that people want to listen
Julian Treasure
The surprising secret to speaking with confidence
Caroline Goyder
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SPEECH
PUBLIC SPEAKING is the chance we get to share our visions, ideas and dreams with others. Speaking is the art of sharing, and to be a good artist we have to prepare and work hard. To be good at speaking, not only in public, but even in private starts with:
KNOWING YOUR TOPIC – To know what you are going to talk about is the first step to a good and impressive speech. This will also help you to have a comprehensive beginning, middle, and end.
SOURCES – Having the right information for your speech is crucial. You have to be careful of which sources of information you use to make sure you are correct and appropriate with facts, stories and statistics. Try researching from a wide variety of sources, in order to avoid being repetitive. Reliable sources exhibit more expertise and often they are sites or books of established institutions. Try to avoid anonymous authors and be careful with bias. Avoid gender, racial and cultural stereotypes.
SPEECH STRUCTURE – Arrangement of your speech is so important when it comes to the understanding of the audience. Remember that the audience may not be familiar with your topic, so try to be as simple as you can and present concepts that are coherent for everyone. For this, you can use different arrangements according to your wish, but remember to have a clear beginning, which is going to get you the attention of the audience (a quote, a saying, a personal story, shocking statistics or even start with a prop). After your intro, try to stress the most important points of your speech by defining, explaining and giving examples. Finally, end your speech in a way that the audience has understood your topic and learned something new. In general, use words that can get you the attention of the audience, be careful with your grammar and make your speech varied by using a wide range of vocabulary.
PRACTICE – The more you know your material , the more comfortable you will be. Spend time working on your speech in detail. No one is born a skilled orator, but all of us can become one by practice. Before you give your speech practice in front of a mirror (with all the equipment you are planning to use), practice by presenting your speech in front of a friend or someone that can give you feedback. Memorizing your content is a mistake, try to memorize concepts instead. Improvise and improve with every step. If you have a time limit, then try using a stopwatch and speak slower than comfortable. And while speaking, try to breathe, pause and give yourself time to feel comfortable.
HOW TO DELIVER YOUR SPEECH BETTER
Practicing at home and actually giving the speech are two really different things. To have a remarkable performance and to grab the attention of the audience use;
COMFORT – Be ready for your audience by knowing who your audience is, try engaging with the audience before you give the speech.
BODY LANGUAGE – Moving your body in certain ways and showing gestures are vital to gaining attention and keeping it.
EYE CONTACT – Making eye contact makes the audience more interested in your speech and topic, so try it to get recognized.
LOOKS – Be careful with what you are wearing. Avoid wearing extreme clothing; instead wear something familiar but also formal. Looking smart is a part of being smart. Never exaggerate with your clothes and respect the dress code.
TIME – Pay attention to time. A speech that is very long makes the audience bored, and the speaker loses their attention. Instead, plan your speech to be neither long, nor short. If you have a time limit, respect it and try to stay calm. Control your breathing and pause when you need to. Remember that speaking too fast will confuse the audience, so find an average pace to let the audience digest your message.
BE YOURSELF – Anytime you give a speech, don’t try to act like someone you are not. Just be yourself and in this way the audience will understand your message. Speak in words that represent what you believe.
IMPROVE YOURSELF AFTER EVERY SPEECH
Great public speaking is like an iceberg, you see successful speakers but that is only the top, what makes them truly great is what hides underneath, and that is passion and hard work.
OVERCOMING YOUR FEAR
If you have never spoken in public, WeVoi is not only an opportunity for you to speak but also an opportunity to stand up for your ideas; your vision.
Fear is always present, but when you speak up for what you believe, overcoming fear is much easier. Remember to use your fear as energy to share your ideas for a better world. With experience, you will learn that fear is nothing else but the excitement about what you are about to say.
CRAFTING YOUR MESSAGE
A Guide to Preparing Your Speech
Public speaking is more than just words; it’s a canvas where we paint our visions, dreams, and ideas. Like any art form, mastery in speaking requires dedication, preparation, and passion. Here’s a roadmap to help you craft a compelling speech:
- Know Your Topic: Begin with clarity. Understand your subject inside out. This foundation ensures your speech has a clear start, engaging middle, and a memorable conclusion.
- Trustworthy Sources: Your speech’s credibility hinges on the accuracy of your information. Dive deep into research, but always prioritize reliable sources. Established institutions, recognized experts, and well-referenced materials should be your go-to. Steer clear of anonymous authors and always be vigilant against biases. Remember, inclusivity is key; avoid gender, racial, and cultural stereotypes.
- Structure Your Speech: A well-organized speech is a memorable one. While your audience might be diverse, simplicity and coherence are universally appreciated. Start strong with an attention-grabbing introduction – a quote, a personal anecdote, or even a provocative statistic. As you delve into the heart of your topic, highlight key points, explain them, and provide examples. Conclude in a manner that leaves your audience enlightened and inspired. Throughout your speech, maintain linguistic variety and impeccable grammar to keep your audience engaged.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarity breeds confidence. Dive deep into your material, understanding its nuances. While innate talent is rare, excellence through practice is achievable for all. Rehearse in front of a mirror, using any equipment you plan to have on the day. Seek feedback by presenting to friends or mentors. Instead of rote memorization, internalize the core concepts of your speech. With each rehearsal, refine and adapt. If you’re constrained by time, practice with a stopwatch, ensuring you pace yourself. Remember to breathe, pause, and find your rhythm as you speak.
Embrace the journey of public speaking. With preparation and passion, not only will you captivate your audience, but you’ll also leave an indelible mark on their minds.
MASTERING THE ART OF SPEECH DELIVERY
While rehearsing is essential, the true test lies in the delivery. To captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression, consider the following:
Know Your Audience: Familiarize yourself with your listeners. Engage with them before your speech to gauge their expectations and interests.
Body Language: Your gestures and movements can amplify your words. Use them strategically to emphasize points and maintain audience engagement.
Eye Contact: Locking eyes with your audience fosters a connection. It makes your message personal and keeps listeners invested in your words.
Dress the Part: Your attire speaks before you do. Opt for smart, formal wear that aligns with the occasion. Respect the dress code and remember: simplicity often makes the boldest statement.
Time Management: A well-timed speech holds attention. Avoid dragging on; be concise yet comprehensive. Adhere to time limits, breathe steadily, and pace yourself to ensure clarity.
Authenticity: Your genuine self is your most compelling version. Speak from the heart, using words that resonate with your beliefs.
Continuous Growth in Public Speaking: The prowess of accomplished speakers is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath lies relentless passion and dedication. Embrace feedback and strive for improvement with every speech.
Conquering Stage Fright: Taking the WeVoi stage is not just about speaking; it’s a declaration of your vision. While nerves are natural, channel that energy into passion for your message. Over time, you’ll realize that what feels like fear is often just the thrill of sharing transformative ideas.
CRAFTING THE PERFECT VIDEO WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
In today’s digital age, creating a captivating video doesn’t require professional equipment. Your smartphone is a powerful tool, capable of capturing your message with clarity and impact. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Choose the Right Setting: Opt for a quiet location with minimal background noise. Ensure there’s adequate lighting, preferably natural, to highlight your face without casting harsh shadows.
- Stabilize Your Device: Use a tripod or a stable surface to prevent shaky footage. If you’re using your hands, keep them steady and avoid unnecessary movement.
- Sound Matters: Speak clearly and at a consistent volume. Consider using an external microphone or the phone’s built-in mic, ensuring it’s free from obstructions.
- Frame Yourself: Position yourself centrally, ensuring your face and upper body are visible. Leave a little space above your head in the frame.
- Editing: While your message is the star, a little editing can enhance your video. Use basic editing apps available for smartphones to trim any unnecessary parts, adjust lighting, or improve sound quality.
- Test: Before finalizing, watch your video. Check for clarity in both visuals and audio. Make sure your message is conveyed without distractions.
For a deeper dive into the technical aspects, consider exploring these insightful YouTube tutorials:
How to Film Yourself with iPhone and Android
How to Film + Edit on Your Smartphone
How to Make Videos with your Phone
Ways to turn your phone into a movie-making machine
UPLOADING YOUR VIDEO TO YOUTUBE AS “UNLISTED”
