How To Master the Expository Speech

Public speaking is an important element of Communications and like learning to walk, it is a human characteristic that requires practice, practice, practice. Here are three tips for mastering the Expository or Extemporaneous speech.

Tip 1 - Become an Expert

“90% of how well the talk will go is determined before the speaker steps on the platform.” – Somers White

Know your topic inside out; demonstrate expertise on the topic. Expert knowledge can come from personal experience and or doing thorough research well in advance of the speech. A good public speaker is also an expert on their audience. Doing research on the audience will help determine what points and what presentation tone will best engage them. 

Tip 2 - KISS

“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” – Mark Twain

When it comes on to excellent communication, wise words are usually the simplest. Use simple language always remember KISS (Keep It Simple Silly). As much as possible use words that have one definite meaning. The expository speech is usually brief so there's not much time to explain what you mean in detail. Choose words that are not ambiguous (containing multiple meanings). 
For Example instead of 'pontificate' use 'explain'.

Tip 3 - Practice Makes Permanent

“It takes one hour of preparation for each minute of presentation time.” – Wayne Burgraff

With this logic, if you have a 7 minute presentation, you need a minimum of 7 hours to practice. Vary the practice sessions:

• Practice before the mirror to observe and correct yourself in real time. 
• Practice before peers to receive constructive feedback
• Practice voluntary public speaking  in various public gatherings (clubs, social groups, community events etc.)
• Finally, have someone video tape you giving a speech and review your presentation.

Here's an example of an award winning Expository Speech from the 2014 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking

For more tips see Expository Check-list.

Expository Speech Checklist (Oral Exam)

ü Conduct an Audience Analysis

     Ask yourself:

• What do they have in common? Age? Interests? Ethnicity? Gender?
• Do they know as much about your topic as you, or will you be introducing them to new ideas?
• Why are these people listening to you? What are they looking for?
• What amount of detail will be effective for them?
• What tone will be most effective in conveying your message? (E.g. neutral, animated/comedic, assertive, serious etc?)
• What might offend or distance them?             

ü Practice the Speech before a friend or in front of the mirror       

     After you have completed the task, ask yourself the following questions:

• Which pieces of information are clearest?
• Where did I connect with the audience?
• Where may listeners be confused about my description or explanation?
• Where may the listeners become bored?
• Where did I have trouble speaking clearly?
• Did I stay within my time limit? (5 MINUTES)

ü Complete speech outline with references

General Tips

1. Practice the Attention Getter (i.e Short story, Quote, Poem etc, related to the topic, used to grab audience’s attention before beginning speech)

2. Help audience to listen and stay focused. Avoid lengthy sentences, use humour where appropriate)

3. Use only the most significant and relevant examples when explaining/describing/informing.

4. Utilize transition words (E.g. firstly, secondly, In concluding, In closing etc)

5. Ensure that body language/posture during speech is not distracting and that you are neatly attired