Guide to Becoming an Activist: Public Speaking

Sections: Introduction Getting Started Information Stalls Making Displays Producing and Distributing Leaflets Starting a Group Public Speaking Lobbying Working With the Media Campaigning Fundraising Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

You might be terrified by the idea of speaking before a group, but one day, you might need to speak publicly to help animals. You’ll find that if you plan your speech and rehearse your presentation, you may still be nervous, but people will listen to your message.

PLANNING YOUR SPEECH

The first step in preparing a speech is to understand the nature of your audience. Try to determine the age, sex, occupation and political affiliation of the group. How much do they already know about your topic? Do you share any beliefs or experiences with them? Put yourself in their shoes. You also need to consider how you want your speech to affect your audience. What do you want them to feel, think or do after they’ve heard your speech? Don’t be afraid that you’ll alienate people by talking about vegetarianism or abolishing vivisection. If you don’t introduce them to new ideas, who will?

WRITING A SPEECH

Before you begin to write your speech, make a list of the two to five main points that you want to make. Write out each point in one or two sentences, and don’t try to make more than five points.

You’re more likely to persuade your audience if you don’t speak in generalities. If necessary, do research to find specific examples that illustrate your points. Statistics are boring if you overuse them, but are good for making comparisons, and people are more likely to retain information if it is new, relevant and presented by vivid comparison and contrast.

Don’t try to write and edit at the same time. Write the first draft as ideas occur to you, following these guidelines:

• Establish your credibility by talking briefly about your qualifications and experience or by having someone else introduce you with that information.
  
  
• Pay special attention to your speech’s beginning and ending, since these are the parts that the audience will remember the most. Open with an attention-getting fact, rhetorical question (as long as you know the answer), quotation (to support your message) or relevant anecdote.
  
  
• Keep it short. Your speech should take less than 20 minutes.
  
  
• Tell the audience what the problem is, what your proposed solution is and how they can take action to bring about the solution.
  
  
• When you prepare your final version, write or type the beginning, ending and key transitions and phrases in large print, and itemise your main points. Write only two-thirds of the way down the page so that it won’t be obvious if you need to look at your notes.
  
  
• Plan a snappy conclusion that summarises your main points, but don’t say, ‘In conclusion …’
  
  
• Don’t present new information at the end of your speech.
  
  
• Don’t just trail off at the end. Finish with an appeal for action.

REHEARSING

Before your presentation, make sure that you know your speech well. You should be able to speak naturally with only occasional glances at your notes. Don’t underestimate the importance of rehearsing your speech prior to your presentation. When you practise, don’t sit down; stand up, and work on one thing at a time – gestures, voice, content or visuals. Practise your speech in front of another person, and ask him or her for constructive criticism.

DELIVERING YOUR SPEECH

When you’re in front of an audience, remember that how you speak is as important as what you say. A shrill, aggressive demeanour will alienate people, while a calm voice and friendly manner will encourage them to think twice about new ideas. Look at your audience, smile and make eye contact. Focus on one friendly face for a complete sentence, then move on to someone else. Don’t look at the floor or ceiling or stare at only one person, and don’t look at your watch – take it off and put it on the lectern if you need it.

Pace yourself, using pauses and changes in volume for emphasis. Speak clearly and don’t slur your words. Remember that gestures, movement and eye contact can add to your impact, but only if they’re natural and relevant. Try not to speak from the lectern – it’s a barrier between you and your audience. Rest your notes on it then walk around. You can always go back to the lectern to check your notes when you need to.

After you’ve given your convincing presentation, remember not to walk away while most people are still applauding.

USING VISUAL AIDS

Good visual aids can help you make your point or clarify abstract ideas, especially if the subject matter is complex, dry or unfamiliar. Slides, PowerPoint presentations and flip charts also have advantages in certain situations, but don’t go overboard – a few effective slides or charts can help your audience understand your message, but too many will distract them. Don’t reveal visual aids until you’re ready to use them, and remove them when you’ve finished with them.

Visual aids should be simple and colourful, but avoid using red and green, which can be difficult to read from a distance. When you use a visual aid, explain what you’re showing, and summarise the information on the slide or chart without reading it word-for-word. Talk to the audience, not to the visual aid. If you show slides, stay in front of the room and have someone else handle the projector or use a remote control.

PREPARING FOR A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION

A well-handled question-and-answer session can strengthen your credibility, demonstrate your knowledge and give you a chance to clarify and expand your ideas.

Try to anticipate difficult questions in advance by putting yourself in your opponents’ shoes. Write down the toughest questions that you can think of and formulate strong responses to them. Practise your answers out loud, preferably with someone else asking the questions. Remembering that tough questions aren’t necessarily hostile questions will prevent you from getting defensive or nervous. You can buy time to collect your thoughts by repeating or rephrasing the question (e.g., ‘You’re wondering why we should avoid dairy products.’) before answering.

Have friends ask hostile, aggressive questions so that you’re less likely to become rattled by the real thing. If an audience member does become hostile, stay cool. You must appear calm and reasonable, even if you don’t feel that way. Listen carefully to each question, be tactful and avoid using emotionally charged words such as ‘obviously’ when you answer. Stick to things that you can prove.

Give your answer to the entire audience, not just to the individual who asked the question (especially if it’s a hostile question). If someone tries to get control of the session, ask, ‘What is your question?’ or say, ‘I’ll be happy to hear your comments afterwards, but we’ve got to end soon, so let’s go on to another question’. Use the ‘feel, felt, find’ method to disagree with someone: ‘I understand how you feel. Others have felt that way. But I find in my experience that ...’

Above all, never forget that when you speak in defence of animals, you are right. If you speak sincerely and with conviction, you will reach your audience. They may not all agree with you, but sharing ideas about compassion toward animals is always worthwhile.