18. How to Make a Good Speech


Workbook Page 51
The same rules apply to a speech in public as to a private meeting with a government person. The only difference is that there are more people in public.

Plan for a speech the same way as for what you will say in a private meeting.
  1. Say who you are and what you are speaking about (name the topic)
  2. Say why they should listen to you, such as
    • You have personal experience
    • You see a problem with a government decision or rule
    • You have ideas for how to make things better
  3. Describe the problem or situation
    • Why is it a problem?
    • What did you do to try to make things better?
    • What kept your actions from working?
      • A bad rule?
      • Information hard to find?
      • Information hard to understand?
      • Costs too much?
    • How does this problem affect more than just you?
  4. Say any ideas you have to fix the problem
  5. Thank them for listening
  6. Answer questions

You do not have to be perfect to get people to listen to you. Here is a video of members of the Disability Action Hall speaking to City Council in Calgary.

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