Public Speaking Handbook

rehearsing Your Speech: Some Final Tips 13.5 279

that one of the best predictors of the effectiveness of a speech is the amount of
time you spend preparing and rehearsing it; instructors gave higher grades to
students who spent more time rehearsing their speeches and gave lower grades
to students who spent less time preparing and rehearsing.^39 The following sug-
gestions can help you make the most of your rehearsal time.

•   Give yourself plenty of time. Finish drafting your speech outline at least two

days before your speech performance.

•   Practice before making speaking notes. Before you prepare the speaking notes

to use in front of your audience, rehearse your speech aloud. This will help

you determine where you will need notes to prompt yourself.

•   Time your speech. Revise your speech as necessary to keep it within the time

limits set by your instructor or whoever invited you to speak.

•   Prepare your speaking notes as you rehearse. Use whatever system works best

for you. Some speakers use pictorial symbols to remind themselves of a

story or an idea. Others use complete sentences or just words or phrases in

an outline pattern to prompt them. Most teachers advocate using note cards

for speaking notes. Some speakers use an iPad or other electronic display.

CONSIDER

THE

AUDIENCE

Deliver

Speech

Generate

Main

Ideas

Develop

Central

Idea

Gather

Supporting

Material

Select

and Narrow

Topic

Rehearse

Speech

Determine

Purpose

Organize

Speech

Figure 13.1 rehearsing your speech delivery will help you to

present your speech with confidence.

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