Tips/Advice for Making a Speech at a Rally

[ellipsis]

I have to make speech at a rally coming up, it can be anything in terms of length/style, I am not "headlining" or anything. I haven't really done this before although I am ok with public speaking and writing of propaganda, etc.

Any tips? I am writing the speech this weekend.

[jake williams]

I'm not sure is this is what you're looking for/relevant, but two really important things, if applicable:

1) Make sure your sound equipment works first. It seems like almost nobody ever does this.

2) Whether or not you have a microphone, speak clearly and loudly. Rallies in public are noisy places, and not everyone has great hearing.

[PhoenixAsh]

Use gestures to underline what you are saying.
Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself.
Use que cards instead of writing it all out....also practice using them...write keywords on one side...write the details on the back.
Don't eat chocolate or dry substances like bread 20 minutes before the speech

[a rebel]

Speak in bullet points.

Make sure that your message is clear

[manic expression]

It's natural to feel like one's speaking slower than you actually are, which makes one talk at too fast a pace. Just be aware of it and you'll get the right tempo (practicing definitely helps).

[ellipsis]

I'm not sure is this is what you're looking for/relevant, but two really important things, if applicable:

1) Make sure your sound equipment works first. It seems like almost nobody ever does this.

2) Whether or not you have a microphone, speak clearly and loudly. Rallies in public are noisy places, and not everyone has great hearing.

Good points, I think we are going to be using a bullhorn/megaphone, pretty easy to test. Hopefully there will at least be somewhere to stand over the crowd slightly, we will see.

Thanks for the points about cue cards too, I think it will work nicely.

[Binh]

Short, simple sentences. No jargon. Illustrative, everyday examples.

[Ele'ill]

Don't deviate from what you have planned- it can end up badly.

[Kuppo Shakur]

Make sure you have a podium and pound the shit out of it while you talk. While you're not beating up your podium, make sure your fist is waving around in the air.

[Blake's Baby]

Drink tea before hand. It helps relax the vocal cords (especially if you like tea - but it's warm and soothy which is really what you're after).

I'd also like it on record that I think Manic Expression is right on this - not something I've ever said on RevLeft before. Speak slowly, far too many people rattle through their speeches through nerves.

[Kuppo Shakur]

Drink tea before hand.
But don't drink too much cause it will make you have to pee mid speech.
Of course no problem if you just bring that podium.

[Fulanito de Tal]

Do the speech in front of friends or people you know several times. It will give you practice and you can get feedback.

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

[Jimmie Higgins]

I'm not sure if you have a set-time or whatnot, but if not, just really make it short and sweet. Don't read a tirade or list a bunch of talking points, you don't want to be one of those radicals who speed-read some prepared screed, "I'm from the Revolutionary Group of Socialist Yadda-Yadda who believe in fighting the system in the tradition of Yadda-Yadda... the bourgoise this the bourgoise that... imperialist racist power structure... mislead by reformist... join the true revolutionary struggle of the Revolutionary Group of Socialist Yadda-Yadda." That's how NOT to have people pay attention. You are most likley going to be half-listened to, so the more direct and sincere you are, the more people will actually get and listen to the point you want to make.

And good luck! :)

[ellipsis]

Speech went really well, got lots of complements. People were surprised it was my first speech at a rally, so I must have done a good job. Thanks for the tips.

What I found useful:
Keep it simple/no jargon
Practice the speech
Write the speech as bullet points.

[Kuppo Shakur]

What I found useful:
Keep it simple/no jargon
Practice the speech
Write the speech as bullet points.
No Podium?:crying:

[Principia Ethica]

Kudos to you! I'm a ham so I *love* public speaking. . .I just don't get the opportunity very often. Did someone record/video your speech? It's always fun/helpful to review it so you can see/hear how you appeared/sounded to the audience. I learned a lot by reviewing my speeches. . .like. . .I say like/ummm/uhhh a LOT.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Congrats, glad it went well!

[ellipsis]

Kudos to you! I'm a ham so I *love* public speaking. . .I just don't get the opportunity very often. Did someone record/video your speech? It's always fun/helpful to review it so you can see/hear how you appeared/sounded to the audience. I learned a lot by reviewing my speeches. . .like. . .I say like/ummm/uhhh a LOT.

Yah it was recorded on video, not sure if i will get it.

[SacRedMan]

why don't you watch some speeches or something from people?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtxG_qoMFTM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk

Hope this helps.

[Ocean Seal]

I have to make speech at a rally coming up, it can be anything in terms of length/style, I am not "headlining" or anything. I haven't really done this before although I am ok with public speaking and writing of propaganda, etc.

Any tips? I am writing the speech this weekend.
Don't try memorizing what you have written or else you'll sound somewhat rehearsed. Instead after you write out your speech, practice it with and without the script, and take some creative liberties. Speak from your heart, and you'll be okay.

[blake 3:17]

Short! Punchy!


a dramatic

pause

is OK (just not too long)

[OhYesIdid]

Seeing as how the OP got a happy ending, I'm officially declaring this thread a general source for public speaking advice. Y'know, by the power invested in me by Rastafari or some shit.

-Soothe your vocal cords (tea has been mentiones, but eggs and honey are timeless classics)
-Alternatively, damage your vocal chords: look upwards and start speaking with as low a pitch as you can. This will strain your chords and give you a lower pitch for a short while.

[ellipsis]

I actually ate a pastry right before the speech... and chased it with plain water.

[Ele'ill]

Glad to hear it went well. Make it your 'thing' now as good speakers are so important.

[A Revolutionary Tool]

Just out of curiosity what were you giving a speech about?

[ellipsis]

Glad to hear it went well. Make it your 'thing' now as good speakers are so important.

Good speakers, good look outs, good writers, reliable people, non-junkie people, there is a shortage of good comrades all around...

But yah I will most likely be making more in the future since it went so well...


Just out of curiosity what were you giving a speech about?

Squatters' and Homeless rights.

[ellipsis]

Yah it was recorded on video, not sure if i will get it.

got the video.

[ellipsis]

Thanks again to everybody who posted in this thread. I am preparing a speech tonight and it was useful to have this to refer back to.