SkillsUSA Massachusetts - Prepared Speech Study Guide

These flashcards summarize key concepts and skills related to preparing and delivering a speech for the SkillsUSA competition.

What is prepared speaking?

Giving a well-developed, rehearsed speech on a central theme without the use of notes, props, or visual aids.

What are the three key parts of a strong prepared speech?

Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Conclusion

Summarize key ideas and leave a lasting impression.

What is the time limit for a prepared speech in SkillsUSA competition?

Five (5) to seven (7) minutes.

What does the acronym POWERR in the speech preparation formula stand for?

Prework, Outlook, Wisdom, Engagement, Review and Reflect

Avoid filler words by?

Breathing and slowing down.

What are key judging criteria in SkillsUSA speaking events?

Confidence, clarity, and enthusiasm.

What should you do if you lose your place while speaking?

Pause, collect your thoughts, and continue smoothly.

Body

Develops main points with examples and transitions

Introduction

Grabs attention and clearly introduces the topic

Body language

Natural, open, and confident

Cadence

The pace in which you are speaking

Vocal Variety

Change tone, pitch, and pace to emphasize key points.

Make steady eye contact with?

All sections of your audience

Your speech should reflect?

Your understanding of the SkillsUSA Framework (Personal Skills, Workplace Skills, and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics)

What should you focus on?

Connection and message

What are some things to remember about delivery to show impact?

Eye contact, good posture, and vocal control

Planning & Structure

1) Topic that connects to the SkillsUSA annual theme,

2) Use attention-grabbers such as questions, quotes, or short stories.

3) Support each point with examples, data, or short anecdotes.

4) Use clear transitions

5) End with a strong call to action or memorable closing thought.

Prework

How large is my audience? • What age range is my audience? • What does my audience really care about? How will I relate to them? What is the speech about? • What is the length of the speech

Outlook

What are the main points of this speech? • How can I draw a mental map to let audience members know where we're headed? What message am I trying to communicate?

Wisdom

What will I do and say to prove the Main Point to be factual? • How will I illustrate the Main Point for the participants? • How will engage the participants in learning the information associated with the Main Point?

Engangement

How will I ensure my speech is engaging? • How will I draw the audience in?

Review

• How will I rephrase my key Wisdom points at the end? • What closing thoughts will I offer the participants? • What is the final call to action for the participants? • What do I want the participants to remember?

Reflect

• What worked? Why? • What didn't work? Why? • What feedback did you receive from your audience? • What level of influence do you believe the content/delivery had? • How will you deliver this speech differently next