######################################################## Simply Speaking...Selling Yourself & Your Ideas E-Zine Volume 4, No 5, December, 2001 Published by Lenny Laskowski Copyright LJL Seminars(tm), 2001 All RIghts Reserved ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 United States Of America (860) 666-4855 or Toll Free 1-800-606-4855 Fax: (305) 489-6481 Web page: ######################################################## Simply Speaking E-Zine Subscription links Sending mail to these addresses will automatically add or remove the sender's e-mail address from your list(s): Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. ######################################################## In this issue: 1. Five Step Approach to Developing Speech Content 2. Our NEW Simply Speaking Discussion Board 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## 1. Five Step Approach to Developing Speech Content from, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Chapter 2 - pages 34 - 36) Copyright, 2001 Philip Lief Group Inc & Lenny Laskowski -------------------------------------------------------- For many people, developing speech content is a very difficult task. What will I talk about? How will I make interesting points? In my seminars I talk about the fact that getting started is the hardest aspect of preparing a speech and the main reason people procrastinate. Most people spend too much time worrying about how they are going to begin their speech. My advice is to plan your introduction last; focus on the body of the speech first. Following are the steps I recommend for developing speech content. As an example, here is how I used these steps to help a client develop an educational speech entitled, "Preparing Student for the 21st Century." The objective of the speech was to identify the top ten skills students need to succeed in the twenty-first century. 1. Gather all the information possible on the subject Also, look for little details you think may be useful. Try the internet for resource material by typing key words related to your topic into several search engines. Take notes on your different resources, and group information into specific folders. For this particular speech I interviewed educators over the phone and gathered their thoughts and their ideas on the skills students need to thrive in the new millennium. Since my wife, Joan, is a learning disabilities teacher with over twenty five years of experience, I also asked her for her opinions and input. Then we both sat down and listed the skills we wanted our own kids to achieve. 2. Analyze the information you have grouped or catagorized to determine what information you want. How much material you use depends on the length of your speech. If you are asked to speak for five minutes, the amount of materials you will use is considerbly less than if you are asked to speak for thirty minutes. 3. Organize the information you want to present in coherent sequence At this point don't concern yourself with the length of your presentation. Rather, make sure that your speech follows a logical order. I sat with my client and we analyzed all the resource material to form a list of ten objectives for students. 4. Prioritize the most important points in your speech Try to determine how long it will take you to talk about each point based on the information you have gathered. My client and I looked at the list we had developed in step three, and this helped us create a time frame and chronological sequence for his presentation. We then developed slide copy - one slide for each item in the list, with two or three points under each. 5. Fine-tune the organization of your presentation content with the following approach: - Tell your audience what your presentation will cover. - Highlight or "preview" a few main points to capture their interest - Begin your presentation - Conclude with summary points that you want your audience to remember. ------------------------------------------------------------------ In my book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" I provide the actual discussion I provided my client for each of these points. Why not order your copy today in time for the holidays by clicking on the link below: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In next month's issue I will discuss secrets you can use to give your public speaking more impact. Until next month... ######################################################## 2. Our NEW Simply Speaking Discussion Board !!! ######################################################## Do you have some public speaking questions you need answers for? Ask me directly and I will provide you with some sound advice and some immediate solutions. My website has added an on-line discussion board where you can participate and ask me or any of the other participants questions related to presentation skills, speaking, communication skills & related topics. You do this by "posting" your questions on discussion board and I or someone else will provide a response. You can, of course, e-mail me directly for any private questions. Below is the direct link to our new discussion board. ######################################################## 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## To subscribe to Simply Speaking visit http://www.ljlseminars.com or use the following links below: Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 1-860-606-4855 In Continental US call Toll Free: 1-800-606-4855 Until next issue! - Lenny Laskowski :-)