Speech Craft Secrets: Practice, Passion,
and Performance

Highlights

(0:27 ) In this episode, Bonnie Dubin, Quality Contest Chair, focuses on speech craft

(1:35 ) Her key advice: Speak about topics you know and avoid word-for-word memorization

(5:09 ) Emphasis on practicing with a timer to manage timing cards effectively

(8:12 ) Discussion of passion's role in speech delivery

(11:25 ) Tips on body language and gesture management

(13:30 ) Only 7% of communication is words; body language and tone matter significantly

(15:59 ) Guidance on making speeches more inspirational

Summary

In this engaging discussion about speech craft, Mickey Bennett and Bonnie Dubin share valuable insights for Toastmasters contestants. Although new to her role as Quality Contest Chair, Bonnie brings substantial professional speaking experience to the conversation. She emphasizes the importance of speaking about familiar topics and warns against word-for-word memorization, noting how it can lead to stumbling when memory fails.

The conversation delves into practical advice about speech preparation and delivery. Both speakers agree that audiences don't know your intended outline, so there's no need to apologize for sequence changes. Bonnie shares her
experience giving leadership training across seven hospital locations, demonstrating how the same core message can be delivered naturally in different ways.

Practice emerges as a crucial theme, with specific emphasis on using timers to prepare for contest conditions. Bonnie describes how timing cards can be disconcerting and suggests practicing with a five-minute target for even-minute speeches to provide buffer time. Mickey adds the important tip of never stopping mid-practice, as it creates a habit that cannot be used in actual contests.

The discussion explores the relationship between passion and delivery, with both speakers agreeing that genuine interest in the topic enhances presentation.
They examine body language, noting the need for balanced movement—neither completely still nor overly animated. Bonnie shares the insight that only 7% of communication comes from words themselves, with body language and tone carrying
much of the message.

The episode concludes with advice about making speeches inspirational, suggesting that speakers must first inspire themselves to effectively inspire others.
Mickey shares a personal example about conveying emotion in speeches about his father's passing, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection with the material. The conversation ends with a call to action for listeners to practice
thoroughly in preparation for upcoming contests.