Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

[jvrlopez]

I've been nominated for Airmen of the Month for the 81st TR Wing and besides having to answer any questions out of a possible 231 (everything from how to fold a flag to how to dress to how report to an officer), report on current affairs, maintain a good class average, and report correctly, I have to stand in front of a board of officers and give a presentation on myself.

Everything is offical and I can't gesture with my hands (I'm sitting at seat's attention, mind you), and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what to talk about or how to talk about it. Anything to avoid besides the obvious (stuff like 'ums' 'well,' etc)?

I'm just curious to hear some suggestions before I start writing out and practicing what I'll say and how I'll say it. I might not even get to do it depending on when I grad out of here, since I could be processing to Japan by the time the ceremony rolls around, but whatever, I'll talk to my nominating supervisor about it.

Anyone with beauty pagent Q&A would be appreciated.

~j

[altoecko]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

In these sort of things (I used to be on academic teams and we'd have to give speeches in the same style for certain competitions, so that's my only experience "professionally") the judges seem to like to hear confidence in your voice. Like, state your goals for the army, what you want from the experience, and what you hope to give your country. People eat that **** up. Since you're talking to superiors, I'd say make eye contact, but keep it well spread out amongst them all(that is if you're allowed eye contact, I'm not sure how the military handles these things). Show them that you feel you're being bettered by this experience and talk to them about how you hope to better the experience for those who come after you. Legacy is nearly everything in the military. Hope this helped you a little bit.

[gray]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

imagine everyone in the audience isn't naked

[Chad]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Give everyone you're presenting to a loving eyeful of contact. Every last one. I don't care if Johnny McTeabags is sandwiched between Officer Jenkins and Officer Puppydogeyes, giving everyone you're speaking to eye contact personalizes this presentation. Makes them better receptors.

When it comes to the presentation on yourself, is it just whatever you want? I'd say pick a solid theme and stick with it. Enduring / overcoming hardship or some such inspirational crap, perhaps?

[Caciss]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Is Officer Jenkins supposed to be offensive?!

BECAUSE THEN I'M OFFENDED :[

[DK]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Whip out some Dylan, man

[Duel]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Staring at one guy for the whole speech is really funny.

[jvrlopez]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Thanks everyone.

I just got my orders today to ship out on the 24th so I probably won't make it out of the first round of board reviews, but whatever, it's worth a try.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Congrats on the nomination. Seems like a lot of work though.

[Dusk Raven]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

I can tell you what not to do.



But... congrats on the nomination, and good luck with the speech. I am a horrible public speaker, so I can't really help.

[Cutter De Blanc]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Open with, "I just flew in from jersey, and boy are my arms tired!"

You'll kill 'em.

[Magus]

Re: Need some suggestions on giving a speech.

Keep us updated, Javier.

Godspeed!