To help in my communication skills, I have joined an organization called Toastmasters. It is in the opportunity to learn different skills that will improve my ability to give a presentation. Tonight, a member named Marcia gave the following recommendations to improve your chances in a speech contest.

–        Learn more information about the contest, so you know what the criteria is being judged.

–        Include body language in your presentation, but have a variety of physical activity that may be on the high level to the low level of the spectrum that will engage the listener to your speech.

–        Avoid speaking in a monotone as it can disconnect the audience to what you’re saying.

–        Practice your speech daily before the contest. This gives you the chance to see how long it takes to do your speech and insurers that it is given within the timeframe required by the contest.

–        Many areas throughout the state are looking for judges. Seek out an opportunity to be a judge, so that you can see the criteria that speeches are being judged on.

–        Have the beginning and the ending of your speech meet together and sharing the theme.

–        Involve the audience in your speech, as group participation will connect the judges to you as a presenter.

–        Seek out the opportunity to use props, but don’t use them too much just enough to support the message.

–        Some speakers come in with a costume and that has helped them on their contest competition.