COMM 1110: Speech Communication: Steps of the Speech Process

• Read your assignment and ask  your instructor you have questions on what is required.
• Who is your audience?  What is your purpose?  This this guide your topic, tone, and style.
• How long is the speech?  Are you using presentation software such as PowerPoint or do you need visuals or props?  How many sources are required?

• Search for a topic until you find one that interests you:
  • See the Topics Research Guide

• Do some preliminary searching to locate background information.  Here are some places to look:
  • Locate background information
  • Locate information in books and e-books
  • Consult some databases
  • Locate journal articles
  • Locate visuals (graphics and films)

Begin to organize or outline your speech.Group your remarks and evidence to create an informal outline. It may be useful to include: 

• An introduction (including purpose and overview)
• Content or body
• Conclusion
• Begin crafting a strong title, opening and key sentences.
• Helpful information
  • Speeches from University of North Carolina Writing Center
  • Writing an Effective Title from U of M's Center for Writing.

• Select evidence to support your ideas such as quotations, statistics, facts, anecdotes, etc.
• Gather your evidence from credible sources.  Include the source in  your speech.  This will make your speech more authoritative.
• Do you need help in locating materials?  Ask the librarians for help via chat, e-mail, or phone,
• Draft PowerPoint or visual materials.  Gather images, videos or other media if needed.
  • Visit the Free Images, Music, and Videos Research Guide
  • Learn more about creating effective visuals
• Draft handouts or a bibliography if needed. 
  • Citation help

• Add timing to your talking points
• Revise your talking points, PowerPoint slides and transitions.
• Delete talking points and/or PowerPoint slides that are not crucial. Paring down or eliminating content will enhance clarity and improve the speech overall.  

• Be aware of your body position, foot placement, breath and eye movement.
• Videotape or record a rehearsal to identify problems, distracting habits, etc. 
• Avoid reading every word--you should be presenting not reading.
• Avoid common verbal habits such as "um", "like", "you know", "kinda", etc.
• Practice your speech many times until you feel comfortable with the content and timing.
• Review your assignment to be sure you are meeting all the requirements.

• Gather a few friends or classmates and deliver your speech.
• Try to avoid the following common behaviors: fidgeting, looking at the computer or screen not at audience, rustling your papers, chewing gum, gesturing too much, or pacing.
• Ask for feedback on your delivery (such as eye contact, hand gestures, speech habits, etc.) and content
• Ask what they identified as the most important points. Do these match yours?
• Edit or revise speech based on the feedback.

• If your speech includes a question and answer session with your audience, spend some time to anticipate questions and briefly plan answers.
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question when you are presenting

Continue to rehearse. Prepare to deliver you speech.

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