Helpful Hints
Sustainable Development
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Hints
Actively Search for Speaking Opportunities
There are many opportunities for speakers to talk to a variety of
audiences. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for groups looking
for speakers to find them. Take an aggressive approach to finding
speaking opportunities in your community. Make a list of groups
who would be interested and call one a month. Likely groups include
Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, business or civic organizations,
libraries, schools, political groups, and special interest groups.
Be Realistic About the Audience Reaction
One speech may not be able to win over an audience’s perception
of concrete and cement as a sustainable building material. A more
realistic goal would be to have your audience retain the most important
points of the speech.
In making the speech, remember to be objective and professional.
If you are confronted by a rude audience member, answer his/her
questions accurately and calmly. Use the key messages included in
this briefing kit as a way to stay on message. The FAQ will be helpful
to address some commonly asked questions.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you are asked to make a presentation, preparation will ensure
a first-rate experience. Get familiar and comfortable with the sample
speech and PowerPoint template in this kit. Practice the speech
with the visuals.
Target Your Audience
The sample speech is written as a general overview of cement and
concrete as a sustainable building material. If you feel that an
area of the speech should be covered in greater detail for an audience,
feel free to make modifications.
Don’t Forget Handouts
Be sure to reinforce your messages with handouts for the audience
after your speech. The fact sheets included in this kit can be copied
and used as handouts, or you can leave copies of the PowerPoint
slides.
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