Tips for Preparing the Contest Speech

1. Know your audience: You will be speaking to a diverse group of people and you want them to choose your organization to donate their time, talent and treasure – speak to them personally. Think about why people donate. Show your audience how rewarding giving will be for them. Emphasize how a little effort will provide big rewards for those helped by the charity.
   
   

2. Know your charity: Do your research about the organization and be able to tell your audience when and how the organization developed, where their money really goes when they donate, and how effective the charity is.
   
   

3. Organize your material well. The Motivated sequence or the Problem/Solution pattern of organization work well for this speech. You will want to show your audience what the need is and tell them how your charity meets those needs.
   
   

4. Personalize your message: If you have helped this organization bring your personal experience in - tell your audience why you think this organization is worthwhile.
   
   

5. Use vivid Language: Use language that will motivate your audience. Be able to tell specific stories of people who have been helped by the organization you choose. Provide enough detail about individuals who have helped and been helped by the organization so that the audience has a clear picture of what makes your audience worthwhile.
   
   

6. Practice: Pay attention to your verbal and non-verbal delivery skills. Work to dress for success – this lets your audience know that you really care about your cause and it can enhance your credibility. Practice using gestures and movement that will emphasize your main points. Practice your speech until your words flow smoothly. Speak with energy and animation. Let your audience see your confidence and enthusiasm for your charity.
   
   

7. Practice: Use key- word notes only (note cards are recommended) the fewer the better. Do not write out your speech as a manuscript – your speech must be delivered extemporaneously. If you can, don’t use notes at all. Practice so that you can maintain good eye contact with your audience. Work to build good rapport with your audience - capture their attention and engage them.
   
   

8. No Visuals: You will not be using any visuals or objects for the contest speech, so make sure the words you choose paint a clear picture for your audience. Use descriptive words and tell stories about people that will engage your audience.
   
   

9. Time Limit: You have 5-8 minutes to speak, practice so that you stay within the time limit.
   
   

10. To give you an idea of the criteria you will be judged on, here is a sample that judges will use in the contest. Sample Critique Form
    
    

11. David Jones Speech Contest Winners - 2010

    First Place ($500) Joseph Hackler - World Vision
    Second Place ( $250) Sidney Hastings - The Up Center of Champaign County
    Third Place ($100) Dennis Grandt - Africare
    Fourth Place ($50) Amy VanVoorhis - WaterAid
    Fifth Place ($50) Richard Walker - Autism Speaks
    Sixth Place ($50) Katrina Harrison - Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation