<p>I’d like to ask how to effectively speak impromtu at a public event, most namely a debate. I’m set to debate a local politician in public in a while, and I’m quite nervous as he is noted for being a fiery speaker and I’m not…very good, so to say, and he challenged me directly on the issue as I’m a big spokesman for a lobbyist group that is lobbying for an issue he hates. </p>
<p>In short, anyone have any advice for what resources I may look up to address the following problems:</p>
<li><p>How to think quickly while speaking publicly and craft one’s words well.</p></li>
<li><p>How to speak [actually in terms of pronouncing clearly and projection] in detail. Often I slurr and stutter. </p></li>
<li><p>How to measure and adjust one’s tone. Sometimes my tone goes nuts, even though most of the time it doesn’t, but it’s really bad when it does.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Note: Self-Confidence isn’t a problem. I have no stage fright. It’s just the actual act of speaking publicly and impromptu that leaves me blanked. </p>
<p>woah, this is creepy. im in kind of the same predicament (i have to debate at some posh charter school though), i even slurr/stutter a lot. i’d like some tips on this matter, too.</p>
<p>just remember that time slows down when you get up there.
if your opponent fires something at you that you haven’t expected, take a moment to think about it. thinking about the question for a second is better than hemming and hawing in the middle of a response. put a thoughtful look on your face, then respond calmly. makes you seem in control.
don’t get upset or belligerent–be passionate if you really want to drive a point home, but don’t go further than that.
remember, the key is to always seem like you know what you’re doing; that you already know what your opponent will say and are prepared with a rebuttal. </p>
<p>don’t stutter or say ‘uh’ or ‘ah’ or ‘um’. use words and phrases if you really get stumped. use, for instance, these to buy time: “Well…from what I understand” or “See, the way I view this is…” or “I…believe that the problem with (opponent’s statement) is that…”</p>
<p>Tone: if you have a microphone, set your default tone to conversational. it’s better to be calm and collected than outraged and angry. you don’t want to be too loud until you hit a point where it is necessary.
never fear your enemy. look your opponent straight in the eye and sock him in the gut with your words. remember, this is a fight. a civil fight, but you are gunning to win. don’t pull low blows. audiences don’t like that. maintain good posture, and use your damn hands. vary your hand movements as well (obviously don’t be waving them around all the time); remember that TIME IS SLOW TIME IS SLOW TIME IS SLOW on stage. take your time and articulate your responses. Screw your opponent if he can’t wait.</p>
<p>the way i became good at publix speaking was through going to debate tournaments. mainly through student congress, it really tests your ability to think on your feet and watching the varsity kids speak really enhances your speaking skills.</p>
<p>Take it from someone who has done public speaking and debating quite a bit: The best thing you can do if you are nervous is to TAKE IT SLOW. If you are reading a prepared speech, read it slowly (but not too slowly) so that you can make sure you aren’t slurring words. If you come across a word that you can’t pronounce, just go with it. Especially if it is a difficult/not-often-used word or phrase (i.e. political, medical, and other types of jargon) chances are no one will realize you made the mistake. The worst thing you can do is acknowledge you made a mistake by stopping, looking around, or trying to pronounce the word again. Just keep moving with an air of confidence and you will be fine.</p>
<p>Organize your thoughts, write them down.
Know what you’re talking about, then practice what little time you have…
follow the order of an essay, make sure you have an attention getter and a final clincher…
have your hands mostly to you side and if you move them, use them to make emphasis.
when you changing topic or going to then 2nd paragraph move you body to a different spot…
make eye contact.
I should know…I literally had UIL on basically public speaking yesterday.
I’m supposed get a topic, research it (the research material is there), make a speech, and present it.
I had 30 minutes to make my speech and I present it to judges…i goth 4th place…one away from advancing…I was like ‘ARGHH’ cause I could of applied for a scholarship if i went to state.
for up to 5k a year…or semester…i forget…</p>
<p>First just practise debating with yourself in the mirror. You’ll be able to see your hand gestures and it forces you to keep your head up and moving instead of staring at your (imgainary) podium. In terms of tone or speech, 1. Slow Down (biggest mistake people make is that they just ramble on) 2. Enounciate (Spit out every word so that even the guy in the back row will be able to pick up the word) 3. Raise your voice and use hand gestures to emphasize a point and to keep your crowd entertained.<br>
But just out go and fun.</p>