The Basics
What is a hook?
The first impression of your speech. Grabs your audience’s attention in the first 10–15 seconds. Makes people want to lean in and listen
What does “projection” mean in public speaking?
Projection is the ability to make your voice carry clearly across a room without shouting. It comes from using proper breathing and posture so your voice sounds strong and confident. Good projection ensures everyone can hear you, even in the back of the room.
What does “nonverbal communication” mean?
Nonverbal communication includes all the ways we express meaning without words—through gestures, facial expressions, posture, eye contact, and tone of voice. These cues often communicate emotions and attitudes more powerfully than spoken words.
What is an impromptu speech?
It’s a speech given with little or no preparation. The speaker must organize thoughts quickly, rely on background knowledge, and speak confidently on the spot.
Why is knowing your audience important?
Understanding your audience’s background, interests, and expectations helps you choose examples and tone that resonate. It makes the speech more personal and impactful.
What is a closing?
The final part of your speech. The “mic drop” moment.
Why is enunciation important when speaking?
Enunciation means pronouncing words clearly and distinctly. It helps your audience understand every word and prevents your message from sounding rushed or mumbled. Clear enunciation makes a speaker sound professional and prepared.
Why is body language important in public speaking?
Body language supports your message and shows confidence. Standing tall, facing the audience, and using open gestures can make the speaker appear more credible and engaging. Poor body language—like crossing arms or fidgeting—can distract or signal nervousness.
What kind of speech honors or celebrates someone?
A special occasion or commemorative speech highlights achievements, memories, or values. It’s meant to inspire and celebrate rather than argue or explain.
What should visual aids do for your speech?
Visuals should support your ideas—not distract. Charts, images, or props make information clearer, emphasize key points, and help visual learners understand complex ideas.
What are the 3 parts of a speech?
A strong speech includes an introduction (to grab attention and preview main ideas), a body (to present key points and supporting details), and a conclusion (to summarize and leave a lasting impression).
How can a speaker use pacing to improve their delivery?
Effective pacing means controlling the speed of your speech. Speaking too fast can confuse listeners, while speaking too slowly can lose their attention. A varied pace—with pauses before key ideas—adds rhythm and helps emphasize important points.
What can facial expressions communicate during a speech?
Facial expressions reveal emotion—such as excitement, concern, or humor—and help the audience connect with the speaker. A speaker’s expression should match the tone of their message; for instance, smiling while telling an inspiring story strengthens the impact.
What is an informative speech? Give an example.
An informative speech teaches the audience something new—explaining a process, concept, event, or idea in a clear and engaging way.
What’s one mistake to avoid when using slides?
Avoid overloading slides with text or reading directly from them. Slides should be simple, clear, and visually appealing so the audience listens to you, not the screen.
What is one way to reduce nervousness before speaking?
Practicing several times helps build confidence and familiarity. Deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualizing success can also calm nerves and boost performance.
What role does tone play in effective delivery?
Tone conveys attitude and emotion. A speaker’s tone can make a message sound excited, serious, sympathetic, or confident. Matching tone to content keeps the audience emotionally connected and helps the speech sound more natural and engaging.
How can movement and gestures be used effectively in a speech?
Movement should feel natural and purposeful. Walking to emphasize transitions or using gestures to illustrate ideas helps hold attention. However, too much pacing or random movement can distract. Effective gestures add clarity and energy to the message.
What is a demonstrative (how-to) speech, and what makes it effective?
A demonstrative speech is a type of informative speech that teaches the audience how to do something—for example, how to make a recipe, play an instrument, or perform a skill. It’s most effective when the speaker uses clear, step-by-step explanations, visual aids, and hands-on examples to help the audience understand the process. Strong demonstrative speeches also connect the “how” to the “why,” showing the purpose or benefit behind the task.
What’s the best way to keep an audience engaged?
Use eye contact, varied tone, gestures, stories, and relatable examples. Asking questions or showing enthusiasm helps the audience feel connected and interested.
Why is knowing your purpose and audience before writing a speech essential to success? Explain thoroughly.
It determines tone, content, and organization; helps ensure the message connects with the audience effectively.
How can a speaker use vocal variety to enhance meaning and hold attention during a speech? Explain thoroughly.
By adjusting pitch, pace, and volume to emphasize key ideas and show emotion, making the speech more dynamic and engaging.
How can a speaker’s nonverbal communication affect audience perception? Explain thoroughly.
Nonverbal cues often shape how an audience feels about a speaker before words even sink in. Confident posture and expressive delivery build trust and interest, while closed-off or stiff behavior may cause disconnection. Skilled speakers align verbal and nonverbal communication so their body reinforces their message.
How can an informative speech and a persuasive speech can overlap? Explain thoroughly.
Both share information, but a persuasive speech uses facts and reasoning to support a specific viewpoint or call to action.
What should a speaker do if they notice the audience losing interest mid-speech? Explain thoroughly.
Adapt in real-time—use humor, ask a question, adjust delivery, or move physically to re-engage the audience’s attention.