LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT (UNCOMFORTABLE)

See those two. That's Tracy from Highlights Foundation on the right. She's got a videotape in her hand. And she and Peter Jacobi are scheming against 7 unsuspecting workshoppers.

So here's how it goes. Jacobi gives us an assignment to speak extemporaneously for one minute on a subject of our choosing. We get maybe 60 seconds to decide who our audience is and what we're going to say. Then we stand in front of the group and start talking while Tracy aims the video camera right at us.
When we have all sufficiently embarrassed ourselves, Tracy hands the tape over to Jacobi who pops it into the VCR. We get to watch ourselves, analyze our own performance and give feedback to each other. I suppose it's just as well my next photo is blurry. Because really, I don't look so good!

But Jacobi has made his point. Extemporaneous speeches do not work. Preparation is key!

Okay he has our attention!

And now Jacobi begins to school us in the art of speech making. He makes a number of points!

7 Part Process of Giving a Speech

6 Elements to Consider In Developing a Speech

12 P's to Avoid

8 Questions to Ask As You Prepare

4 Knows

13 Interest Factors

Oh and how about this formula? E/A + I + I + I = S

For lack of time I will say that it all boils down to one thing. Do not bore your audience!

At Highlights Founders Home Workshops the setting is informal. The comraderie is longlasting. And the food is to die for...

We are having a grand time in spite of the videotape.