• It helps develop and improve confidence
• It helps with Interview skills
• It enables you to learn a new skill. ( Skills for life, etc.)
• It gives you a sense of achievement
• It’s a good thing to put on your C.V. – it impresses future employees
• It helps with Office holding skills
• You get the chance to compete at further rounds
• Helps you to Chair meetings more effectively!
• You’ll be able to do good 21 st and Wedding speeches!
• It encourages you to think on your feet – spontaneity
• It gives you confidence to speak out at meetings – gets your views across

HINTS FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING

• Notes on small white cards
• Speak slower than usual speech
• Speak louder than usual speech
• Keep head up. Look to back of room. Make eye contact with judges and Audience
• Practice / rehearse prior to competition. It’s worth taking the time to plan
• Learn introduction / opening phrases so you can make an impressive introduction
• Timing is important. Be careful not to go over time, or not use all the time allocated
• Pausing is important. Use it to good effect. – Don’t rush
• Don’t fidget or shuffle from foot to foot
• Pick an interesting subject. Use humour in your speech. It helps to relax you.
• Dress appropriately. Definitely no chewing gum!