Project 4 - How to Say It (Part 2: Speech Analysis)

I'm very excited to write this blog post!

Today, I'm going to do something special. Instead of reviewing my own Project #4 speech (which was pretty boring), I am going to analyse one of my all-time-favourite Toastmasters speeches by the very talented, Andy Dooley.

Andy has used so many techniques in his speech, but for this analysis, I am going to focus on only the techniques that apply to what you're learning in Project#4.

First, what I want you to do is watch the video. Then, read my analysis. The reason for this is that this is a really great speech and I want you to enjoy it first before digging into the analysis.

Here it is:

It was very funny, wasn't it?! I find that even after I've watched it again and again, I still find it really amusing.

One of the things that Andy demonstrates so perfectly in his speech is how to use words effectively.

He uses many vivid words throughout his speech, which help to tell the story by creating a picture in our mind of what is happening. 

For instance, instead of saying that "the sky was blue" (which is not very descriptive), he says "the sky was fire-ice blue". Can you picture that amazing sky now? Also, instead of saying "hot coals", he says "red-hot burning coals". Can you picture how extremely hot those coals would be? Instead of saying "he had nice teeth", he said "he had perfect-white teeth" to show how in awe Andy was of his idol. The whole way through his speech, Andy is painting word-pictures by his descriptive use of language. 

Andy also uses rhetorical devices including alliteration, similes, triads, and even rhyme to make his speech more engaging and memorable.

Alliteration: "Date with Destiny", "Forty feet", "Filled with Fear", "The magic Moment", "Goggles, Gloves", "Boots, Beanies"

Simile: "I walked over there like I was walking on fire!"

Triads: Andy..Andy...Andy, Destiny..Destiny..Destiny...,1. I've listened to his CDs 2. I've been to his seminar, 3. I even have a tattoo..

Rhyme: She turned out to be...a he!

Ok, now have another look at his speech. What other word techniques did he use to make his speech special? There are quite a few that I haven't mentioned in the hopes you can identify some of them yourself.

Also (a little tip for when you get to project 6) - notice Andy's tone of voice throughout the speech. It's not just the words you say but how you use your voice :)

As always, good luck with your speech, and another music video to get you motivated. Just think - if Hanson can make a popular song  (well, it was popular at the time it was released!) out of the nonsense words "mmm-bop bah doo wap" (or something like that),  I'm sure you can make a good speech using some real words!

Joining the Executive Committee

Hi all,

Before I go and do my speech analysis for project #4, I want to talk about being a member of the Executive Committee for your Club.

It's that time of the year again where clubs are nominating their Executive Committee for the next (2014-2015) financial year.

YOU should do it.

"What? But...I...er...Why Me..Um...?" I hear you say.

You should just DO IT. Put your hand up and be on the Executive Committee. Why? Well, no matter what role you're in, you'll learn to develop leadership skills. Plus, it's fun! Also, you'll be helping your Club to run smoothly and be the best that it can be. 

I have been Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Public Relations, Newsletter Publisher (ok..not an official Committee role but still is a valid role in some clubs), and I self-nominated myself for the role of Club Secretary for 2014-2015 year.

.....I just found out today that my club has also nominated me in as Secretary (which is no surprise, considering no-one else put their hand up for the role!).

I know a lot about these Committee roles and I can tell you that it's definitely worth it if you have the right mindset.

You see, one of the key qualities of a good leader is to be of service to others. In your role as a club leader, you'll be serving the members and potential members of your club for a whole year. It is work, but it is enjoyable work if you focus on making the club the best it can be for everyone.

Also (If you decide to embark on the journey of leading your club forward for the next year), I'd recommend you read Stephen Covey's book "The 8th Habit" which will guide you along the way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAd-rJc9sas

"All people can be leaders if they strive to find their voice and inspire others to find theirs"

- Stephen Covey

As per usual, here is a music video to inspire you:

Project 4 - How to Say It (Part 1: Coaching)

This project is about choosing the right words to give your speech power and communicate your ideas effectively.

Your speech topic is particularly important when it comes to word choice.

Speeches that contain stories (whether they're about your experiences or the experience of someone you know) lend themselves particularly well to using vivid words and rhetorical devices. Whether you're doing a humorous speech, a persuasive speech, or even a motivational speech, you have the opportunity to use poetic language to give your speech more depth and communicate your ideas better.

Informative speeches, however, lend themselves less to vivid words and rhetorical devices, and more to short words and short sentences. This is because during an informative speech, you need to get your ideas across clearly (and often quickly, too). That's not to say that you can't be descriptive during an informative speech, but you've got to ask yourself whether doing so is actually going to enhance your message or not.

I recently gave an evaluation of a club member who was working on this project. His speech was about upcoming changes to the Toastmasters program (i.e. an informative speech). At the time, I felt that he didn't quite meet the objectives of the project as there were no vivid words or rhetorical devices used throughout. However, reflecting on it now I think that for an informative speech, his word choice was perfect. He had short sentences and short words to enhance his communication. However, I think he would've learnt more about the power of words if he'd chosen a different type of speech and speech topic.

My advice to you for this project is - don't do an informative speech for this project. Do anything but. You'll have more chance to use descriptive words (and use them well) if you choose another type of speech, with a topic that involves a story or two. An entertaining speech would be ideal.

Here are some examples of speech topics you can use when you want to have a field day with using vivid words and rhetorical devices:

• Visiting a new location (describe the sights, sounds, and people you have come across)
• Meeting a new person (describe the sound of their voice, the way they are dressed, the way they walk etc.)
• Eating your favourite food (describe the look, the taste and the smell of the food. Describe the sound of the wrapper as you open it).
• A favourite craft or hobby 

So there you have it! Here's a video to motivate you to get started:

Stay tuned..in the next post I'll show you the speech I gave for this project.

An Update

Hi all,

Glad to see that there are still many viewers after all this time!

I haven' forgotten about this blog. Have been busy - since my last post, I have changed clubs and am now a member of an Advanced Club in my local area.

Stay tuned - more posts to come :)

Sam