TEACH English

15/08/2025

👍Here’s a clear list of common errors in speech delivery during oratorical contests:

📌1. Voice-Related Errors
*Speaking too softly – Audience and judges can’t hear clearly.
*Monotone delivery – No variation in pitch, tone, or volume.
*Over-shouting – Trying too hard to be “powerful” but ends up straining the voice.
*Poor pronunciation – Mispronouncing key words; often due to rushing or lack of practice.
Mumbling – Incomplete articulation of words.

📌2. Pacing & Timing Issues
*Speaking too fast – Rushing through lines without giving time for the audience to absorb the message.
*Speaking too slowly – Losing audience interest due to excessive pauses.
*Ignoring time limits – Going over or under the required duration.

📌3. Body Language Mistakes
*Lack of eye contact – Looking at the floor, ceiling, or only at one spot.
*Overuse of gestures – Unnecessary hand movements that distract from the message.
*Stiff posture – Standing frozen without expressive movement.
*Pacing aimlessly – Walking around with no purpose or rhythm.

📌4. Facial Expression Problems
*Blank face – No expression matching the words.
*Overacting – Forced facial expressions that seem unnatural.
*Mismatch of emotion – Smiling during a sad part, frowning during a happy part.

📌5. Memory & Script Handling
*Over-reliance on notes – Constantly looking down at the script.
*Forgetting lines – Causing awkward pauses or breaking flow.
*Reciting mechanically – Memorized but without understanding or emotion.

📌6. Audience Engagement Errors
*Ignoring audience reactions – Not adjusting delivery when listeners seem confused or disengaged.
*Speaking only to judges – Forgetting to connect with the rest of the audience.
*Lack of emphasis on key points – Not using pauses, tone changes, or gestures to highlight main ideas.

📌7. Technical & Stage Awareness Issues
*Poor microphone use – Too far/too close, causing unclear sound.
*Not adjusting to stage size – Staying in one small corner or moving too much.
*Turning back to audience – Breaking audience connection.

✅Tip for Students:
Great oratory is not just about memorizing a speech — it’s about connection, clarity, and conviction. Practice with feedback, record yourself, and focus on both delivery and understanding of the message.

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

Here are practical tips for a declaimer so your delivery will be powerful, memorable, and contest-ready:
1. Understand the Piece
Memorize with meaning – Don’t just remember the words; know the emotions behind them
Ask yourself: What is my character feeling at this moment?
2. Use Voice Variety
Volume – Speak softly for emotional moments, loudly for dramatic points.
Pitch – Go higher for excitement, lower for seriousness.
Pace – Slow down for impact, speed up for urgency.
3. Master Facial Expressions
Your face should match the emotion—sad eyes for sorrow, wide-eyed for surprise, tight lips for anger.
Practice in front of a mirror.
4. Body Language & Movement
Use purposeful gestures—pointing, holding your chest, clenching fists.
Move across the stage naturally; don’t just stand stiff or wander aimlessly.
Take a step forward during powerful lines to create emphasis.
5. Maintain Eye Contact
Look at the audience as if talking directly to them.
If you have multiple characters, shift your gaze and body position to “switch” roles.
6. Control Your Breathing
Breathe deeply before starting—this will help with projection and avoid running out of breath.
Pause naturally after important lines—let the audience absorb your words.
7. Build to a Climax
Save your loudest, strongest, and most passionate delivery for the most important line.
Make sure the ending leaves the audience with goosebumps.
8. Practice with a Timer
A 5-minute piece should have the right pacing—not rushed, not dragging.
Practice as if you’re already in front of the crowd.
9. Feel the Emotion
Don’t act like you’re acting—become the character.
If the piece is about hardship, recall a personal challenge so your emotion feels real.
10. End Strong
After your final line, hold your position for 2–3 seconds before stepping back—let the silence sink in.
Keep your head high and exit with confidence.

05/08/2025

Types of Speech According to Purpose:

1. Informative Speech

Purpose: To give information or explain something.

Example: A teacher discussing climate change.

Goal: Help the audience understand a topic clearly.

2. Persuasive Speech

Purpose: To convince the audience to believe or do something.

Example: A student asking for support for a school project.

Goal: Change thoughts or actions.

3. Entertainment Speech

Purpose: To amuse or entertain the audience.

Example: A funny speech at a birthday party.

Goal: Make people laugh or enjoy the moment.

4. Inspirational Speech (also called motivational)

Purpose: To uplift and encourage the audience.

Example: A graduation speech that gives hope.

Goal: Inspire people to do better or not give up.

(Lucas, S. E. (2020). The Art of Public Speaking (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.)

05/08/2025

END WITH IMPACT - means finishing your speech in a strong and memorable way. Leave your audience with something to think about—like a powerful message, a question, or a quote. Don’t just say “That’s all.” Instead, close with meaning and purpose. As the saying goes, “First impressions last, but last words echo.” A good ending helps people remember your speech. It can inspire, motivate, or call them to action. Remember the quote, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.” – Jim George. Make your final words clear, strong, and full of heart. A great ending makes a great speaker unforgettable.

05/08/2025

BE ORGANIZED - means arranging your thoughts clearly before speaking. A good speech has a beginning, middle, and end. Start with a greeting, share your main points, then end with a strong message. Planning helps your audience understand you better. As the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” When your ideas are organized, you won’t get lost or confused. You’ll speak smoothly and with purpose. Remember the quote, “Good order is the foundation of all things.” – Edmund Burke. Writing an outline or using note cards can help. An organized speaker is easy to follow and more powerful.

05/08/2025

STAY CALM - means staying relaxed and not letting nervousness take over. Before speaking, take deep breaths and think positive thoughts. It’s normal to feel a little scared, but don’t let fear stop you. As the saying goes, “Keep calm and carry on.” When you are calm, you think clearly and speak better. Rushing or panicking can cause mistakes. Remember the quote, “Calm mind brings inner strength.” – Dalai Lama. If you forget a word or make a mistake, just pause and continue. Your audience understands. Staying calm shows confidence and helps your message come across better. Breathe, smile, and stay steady.

05/08/2025

USE BODY LANGUAGE - means using your hands, face, and posture to help express your message. Your actions can speak louder than your words. Stand straight, smile, and use your hands naturally while speaking. Don’t cross your arms or look stiff. As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Your body helps show your feelings and keeps your audience interested. A good quote to remember is, “Your body language may shape who you are.” – Amy Cuddy. When your body matches your words, people will understand and trust you more. So, move with purpose and let your body support your message.

05/08/2025

USE EYE CONTACT - means looking at the people you are talking to. When you look at your audience, they feel important and listened to. It helps build trust and keeps them interested. Don’t stare at the floor or ceiling—look around the room and connect with everyone. As the saying goes, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” Eye contact shows confidence and honesty. Remember the quote, “Look people in the eye. It builds connection and shows respect.” Even if you feel shy, try to look at friendly faces. Eye contact makes your speech more powerful and helps your message stay strong.

05/08/2025

BE CONFIDENT means believing in yourself and your message. When you speak, stand tall, smile, and look at your audience. Don’t let fear stop you. Even if you feel nervous, act brave. As the saying goes, “Fake it till you make it.” Confidence helps your audience trust and listen to you. Remember the quote, “Believe you can, and you're halfway there.” Confidence doesn’t mean being perfect—it means trying your best and not giving up. Prepare well, practice often, and trust that you have something good to say. When you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too.

05/08/2025

SPEAK CLEARLY - means using simple words and saying them in a way that others can easily understand. Talk slowly, pronounce words correctly, and don’t mumble. Take your time so your message is clear. When you speak clearly, people will listen and understand you better. As the saying goes, “Say what you mean, and mean what you say.” Also remember the quote, “The clearer you speak, the stronger your message.” Avoid using hard or confusing words. Speaking clearly shows respect for your audience because it helps them follow your ideas. Good communication starts with clear speech, so always think before you speak.

05/08/2025

PRACTICE means doing something again and again to get better. Before giving a speech, practice many times. Say your speech out loud in front of a mirror or with friends. This helps you remember your lines, speak clearly, and feel more confident. The more you practice, the less nervous you feel. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Another quote says, “Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Practicing also helps you improve your voice, timing, and gestures. Even great speakers practice often. So don’t be afraid to repeat—practice is the key to speaking well.