YM-0060 4-H Public Speaking Work Sheet
4-H Public Speaking Work Sheet
YM-0060, Reviewed November 2005. Lamar Nichols, Extension Assistant Director, 4-H and Youth Development. Originally prepared by N. Ray Huddleston, former Extension Economist, Marketing Firms.
4-H Public Speaking Work Sheet
 f you are planning to enter the 4-H Club Public Speaking Program, first read Extension publication YM-0057, “Speak Up.” Then use this work sheet to help you get started.
Give yourself two to three weeks to work on your speech, if possible. A good speech grows on you. If
you work on it a little each day, it will become better fixed in your mind.
Select a Topic
Select a subject that interests you such as Energy Conservation. It should be one that will inform and
be interesting to others.
My Subject:
After you select a subject, think about one main topic within that subject. Build your speech around this one topic. Don’t try to cover too broad a topic. For example, if your subject is Energy Conservation, your speech could be on “New Developments in Energy-Saving Equipment,” “The Return of the Windmill,” or “Pros and Cons of Solar Energy Use.”
Possible Topics Within My Subject:
Research Your Topic
First, write down any thoughts that come to mind. Draw from your own knowledge. Then talk to people
who might help you with your topic. For example, someone at your local electric or gas company could
help you with energy. Go to your school or public library for help. And read newspapers and magazines
for current events that might tie into your speech. Be up to date.
Questions I Want Answered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
While doing your research, you should be able to make a final decision about the topic you will use for
your speech.
My Speech Will Be:
Sources of Information I Used:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Organize Your Material
Decide on your main points—no more than three or four. Write them down.
Decide on the most logical sequence for these points. For each main point, list two or three minor points. This will put the body of your speech in outline form.
Now, think about how to introduce your speech. Make your opening friendly, casual, and short. You might ask a question, use a short story or meaningful quotation, or show how your topic directly affects
your audience.
For your conclusion, plan a brief summary of what you have said. Close with the idea you want to be remembered longest.
Idea I Want People To Remember:
After preparing your outline, you may find some questions that need answering. Go back to the library
and finish your research. Then write your speech.
Write Your Speech
As you write, use words that create a clear mental picture. Give examples and use stories to make your
point. Be as original as you can. Original phrasing and ideas help hold the interest of your listeners.
Practice Your Speech
Read your speech aloud to check the timing. Try to read it with the same pauses and emphases that you
will use in your presentation. Then make any changes needed to fit your time limits.
Length of Speech:
Learn your speech. You don’t need to memorize it word for word. But, know the main points and the
information you want to tell about each point.
Have someone listen to your speech. Ask them to fill out the Listener Evaluation in Extension publication
YM-0057. Take your listener’s comments seriously. Then make any changes needed to improve your
speech.
My Listener's Name:
Continue to practice your speech till you feel comfortable giving it
Times l Practiced: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Keep a Record
Keep a record of the times and places you presented your speech.
For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and
home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related
acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama
Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn
University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal
opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.
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