3/16/26 HCOM Going Over Speech Lecture Notes

The title slide should be simple and not overloaded with information.
It serves as the cover of a book; thus, it should set the tone without being cluttered.
Contains the presentation title and your name.

The first thing to say during your speech is your attention getter.
An attention getter aims to evoke a strong emotion from the audience (e.g., excitement, sadness, curiosity).
It is crucial that this is the first statement upon starting the speech.
Examples of attention getters:
- A powerful quote
- A startling statistic
- A compelling story or anecdote

You have the option to include an attention getter slide.
This optional slide can have engaging visuals (e.g., a captivating picture or graph) related to your topic.
Example of an effective attention getter:
- Mention statistics related to drunk driving with a relevant picture, e.g., “This is Sarah, who was impacted by a drunk driver.”

After the title and attention getter slides, include a preview of main points slide.
This slide is often overlooked but is crucial for guiding the audience.
It should clearly outline what the speech will cover, avoiding vague statements.
An example of a preview statement:
- “Today, I will talk about my glasses: how I got them, their significance, and their impact on my life.”
Be explicit about main points, using clear formatting (e.g., segregate main points visually).

Create a dedicated slide for each main point without labeling them as "Main Point One."
The slide should contain condensed bullet points that assist in pacing during the speech.
Avoid cluttering slides with excessive text; focus on key phrases that jog your memory.

Visual aids are vital but should not be read verbatim during the presentation.
Ensure that they contribute meaningfully to your speech, such as relevant images or graphs.
If using pictures, be sure to draw attention to them in your explanation.

After each main point, optional transition slides can be utilized.
These slides can feature images, quotes, or additional graphs for clarity as you shift topics.

The last slide should be a review or recap of the key points discussed.
Conclude with a strong final statement, possibly echoing the title slide.
Ending with a mirrored title slide is optional but can enhance the impact of your conclusion.

Suggested number of slides: six (title, attention getter, preview, three main points, recap).
Each main point should have its own slide, ideally one slide per point for a concise presentation.
Avoid reference pages; they disrupt the flow and pacing of a speech.
Instead, consider using in-text citations if necessary for credibility.

Using animations can help to keep the audience's attention focused on the slide content.
It allows for pacing by revealing information gradually rather than overwhelming the viewers with too much text.
Good preparation allows you to deliver a speech smoothly without extensive note usage.

Choose attractive, modern templates for your slides; avoid outdated styles.
Use tools like Slidesgo for free and visually appealing PowerPoint templates.
When customizing templates, delete unnecessary slides to keep only relevant content.
Implement consistent formatting and design across all slides to maintain visual coherence.
Highlight key phrases and utilize color contrasts to draw attention where needed.

Create a visually appealing presentation that enhances, rather than detracts, from your speech.
Keep the presentation minimal but effective — every element should serve a purpose.
Prepare for potential technical issues and have backups for your slides if necessary.
Always practice your speech multiple times to ensure smooth delivery and confidence in presenting.

Encourage audience interaction with open-ended questions about the presentation.
Gather feedback and clarify any doubts regarding the visual aids and presentation methods outlined.