Analyzing and evaluating speeches 5.5 91
audience. Don’t be a slave to rules. If you are giving a pep talk to the Little
League team you are coaching, you might not have to construct an attention-
getting opening statement. Be flexible. Public speaking is an art as well as a
science. Give yourself permission to adapt principles and practices to specific
speech situations.
IDENTIFY ONE OR TWO AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT After each speaking
opportunity, identify what you did right; then give yourself a suggestion or two
for ways to improve. You may be tempted to overwhelm yourself with a long
list of things you need to do as a speaker. Rather than trying to work on a dozen
goals, concentrate on two or three or maybe even just one key skill you would
like to develop. To help you make your decision, keep in mind the audience-
centered model of public speaking.
Ultimately, the goal of this course is to teach you how to listen to your own
commentary and become your own expert in shaping and polishing your speak-
ing style.Quick check
Giving Good Feedback
help your fellow speakers by making sure your evaluations are:- Descriptive
- specific
- positive
- constructive
- sensitive
- Realistic
M05_BEEB3981_05_SE_C05_065-094.indd 91 07/11/14 11:45 AM