[nabs-l] Public Speaking

Mon Jun 23 01:46:10 UTC 2014

While I speak, I prefer to only have an outline in front of me, but as I prepare I prefer to write out the speech word for word ahead of time. This helps me get a better sense for the flow of my thoughts, let’s me work out any specific phrasing that might be important to include or avoid, and helps me balance my speech so that I don’t spend more time on the points I am more comfortable with to the neglect of other points. It also helps me gauge how much time it will take to deliver the speech. A comfortable talking speed is roughly 125 words per minute and so using word count helps give me a rough estimate. 

To build on what Joe said about gestures, if you aren’t comfortable using hand gestures, have someone help identify one or two go-to gestures to use to add emphasis. Once you are comfortable with these, you can try to build your repertoire. 

My preferred outline method is index cards with braille on them. I’m not a terribly fast braille reader either, but using short key phrases on the cards helps jog my memory if I lose my place. I honestly find the index cards most useful as I am rehearsing my speech. They help me build my memory without allowing me to rely on the verbatim speech. 

Hope this helps.

-Greg

On Jun 20, 2014, at 10:03 PM, Shickeytha Chandler via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Joe,
> 
> Thanks for the tips, especially the one about not just reading the
> speech verbatim in most cases. I think it would be easy to fall into
> the habit of doing that if I am nervous, but you are right that
> reading speeches word-for-word is usually not as interesting or
> engaging for the audience. I really appreciate all the great insight I
> have gotten from everyone on this post. It helps me to feel a little
> less panicky about my class and about overcoming fears and challenges
> involved with public speaking as a blind person in general.
> 
> Shickeytha
> 
> On 6/20/14, Joe via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Alleha made some excellent points regarding gestures and movement. I'll add
>> a few more:
>> 
>> 1. If your presentation can be divided into distinct segments, use those
>> transitions to move to a different part of your stage area. This will be as
>> much of a visual cue as a good reminder to move without wandering.
>> 
>> 2. Rehearse those hand gestures that can emphasize points, but do not
>> concentrate so hard on gestures that they wind up looking robotic. For the
>> longest time my speech and debate coaches would try to get me to use
>> gestures to highlight key points in my presentations, but remember hand
>> gestures are supposed to come naturally. The only real way to practice
>> gestures is to make them a part of everyday conversation.
>> 
>> 3. I now lead several classes at church. I memorize people's names to call
>> on them using a Socratic method. It keeps the audience engaged, alert, and
>> helps establish a stronger connection. If you're presenting to a group of
>> strangers, assuming you're not in a competition setting, don't be afraid to
>> ask the person to tell you their name after they've given you a comment as
>> a
>> means to try to get to know them and maybe call on them again later in your
>> presentation.
>> 
>> 4. The idea that it is okay to read your speech verbatim is rarely true.
>> Among those speeches I hated most at NFB seminars and conventions were
>> those
>> speeches that were clearly read word for word. It's almost as frustrating
>> as
>> people who read every word on their PowerPoint slide. I say, "rarely,"
>> because there are of course exceptions, but short of banquet keynotes and
>> presidential reports, always use an outline or another means of leaving
>> enough room to generate your own commentary or impromptu thoughts. Even
>> annual report-type presentations I feel should be a little looser to keep
>> people more interested.
>> 
>> 5. Record yourself delivering the presentation beforehand. We are our own
>> worse enemy, but at least you have a rough and realistic sense of how you
>> might come across to your audience.
>> 
>> Best of luck to you,
>> 
>> Joe
>> 
>> --
>> Twitter: @ScribblingJoe
>> 
>> Visit my blog:
>> http://joeorozco.com/blog
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Shickeytha
>> Chandler via nabs-l
>> Sent: Friday, June 20, 2014 5:06 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: [nabs-l] Public Speaking
>> 
>> Happy Friday All,
>> 
>> I am wondering if some of you would be willing to share tips and
>> suggestions
>> for effective public speaking as a blind person. One of my classes in
>> Graduate School this coming semester involves doing several speeches. In my
>> undergrad work, I had to do a few, but let it suffice to say that my public
>> speaking skills were less than stellar. I think part of it is because of
>> not
>> feeling confident because I can't just look down and read from my notes (or
>> a teleprompter, lol) like a sighted person could. My Braille skills are
>> lacking also. I only read uncontracted Braille slowly. I have had a few
>> suggestions that I might try, but I want to get as many ideas as possible.
>> My VR counselor told me about another client who uses a Victor Reader to
>> record speeches in advance and then has headphones playing while he is
>> speaking, and he can pause the player as needed. Additionally, I took a
>> PowerPoint course from the Hadley School last year, and the blind
>> instructor
>> told me that she uses Blue Tooth headphones to listen to her notes as she
>> presents. I would love to hear from any of you who have strong public
>> speaking skills and experience to learn your ideas that might be helpful to
>> me. Thanks in advance!
>> 
>> Shickeytha
>> 
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> 
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