Review what you learned about using your voice and body as powerful speaking instruments!
Vocal Variety
The Volume Slider
Great speakers don't stay at one volume. They move between whispering and projecting to keep the audience engaged.
The Whisper (Level 1): Makes the audience lean in closer. Use for secrets, scary moments, and surprises.
The Megaphone (Level 5): Wakes the audience up! Use for the climax, excitement, and big moments.
The same sentence can feel completely different depending on volume, speed, and emotion. That's the power of vocal variety!
Quiz: When should you whisper during a speech?
AWhen you forget your next line
BTo pull the audience in during a secret, scary, or suspenseful moment
CFor your entire speech so people have to listen carefully
The Speed Pedal
Your pace controls the audience's heartbeat!
The Cheetah (Fast): Use for action and excitement. Makes the audience's heart beat faster!
The Turtle (Slow): Use for serious moments or right before a big reveal. Builds suspense.
Quiz: What is the "Character Switch"?
AChanging the topic of your speech halfway through
BLetting someone else finish your speech for you
CChanging your voice and posture to play a different character in your story
Body Language
Base Camp
Your "idle animation" when you aren't gesturing. Feet shoulder-width apart, hands relaxed at your sides. No pockets, no crossing arms, no wringing hands.
"If you don't know what to do with your hands, send them to Base Camp."
The 3 Tool Gestures
Your hands are tools to help the audience see the words:
The Number Tool: If you say "I have three reasons," hold up 3 fingers.
The Size Tool: Tiny? Pinch your fingers. Massive? Stretch your arms wide.
The Heart Tool: Talking about yourself, your feelings, or your opinion? Bring one hand to your chest.
Quiz: What is "Base Camp"?
AStanding with your hands in your pockets
BYour resting position: feet shoulder-width apart, hands relaxed at your sides
CCrossing your arms while you wait for your turn
Match: Which gesture tool should you use?
"I have two reasons..."
"It was THIS big!"
"I believe in my heart..."
Stage Movement
"Walk and Plant"
Nervous speakers pace back and forth like a "Tiger in the Cage." Great speakers walk with purpose.
The Rule: "Walk on a period." Stand still for your point, then take three steps to a new spot, plant your feet like tree roots, and stay there. Never speak while your feet are moving aimlessly.
Quiz: What is "The Tiger in the Cage"?
AA powerful gesture to show confidence
BThe mistake of pacing back and forth nervously without stopping
CA warm-up exercise before your speech
Impromptu Speaking Frameworks
Pick the Right Framework
When you're asked a question on the spot, grab one of these three frameworks to organize your thoughts quickly:
OREO (Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion) — Use for opinion questions
Time Traveler (Past, Present, Future) — Use for questions about how things have changed
Sandwich (Top Bun, Meat, Bottom Bun) — Use for "Tell us about..." topics
Quiz: Which framework would you use for "What is the best holiday and why?"
AOREO — because it's an opinion question
BTime Traveler — because holidays change over time
CSandwich — because you're telling about a topic
Quiz: Which framework would you use for "How has the way we communicate changed?"
AOREO — give your opinion on communication
BTime Traveler — talk about past, present, and future of communication
CSandwich — introduce, give details, wrap up
Practice & Homework
Homework: The Silent Watcher
This week, watch a speech, a movie scene, or a commercial with the sound OFF. What can you understand just from body language? Write down 3 things you noticed and bring it to next class!
Remember
Your face and hands "speak" just as loudly as your voice. Make every movement intentional — and when in doubt, send your hands to Base Camp!
