January 20, 2003,
Gallaudet University
Washington, D.C.
The alarm clock blaring, my hand searched to find the snooze button. “Why did the hell I signed up for 8 a.m. class?” I told myself. Glance at the clock, it read out 7:48 a.m. “Oh sh*t!” I trampled over the dirty clothes as I get dress up and grab my messenger bag and zoom out the door. Whilst, I checked my pocket for pen meanwhile I realized I forgot my room key. “Oh great, I locked myself out!”, I thought.
I checked my watch and it shows 7:55 a.m. “Jeez!” It is about almost 1/4 mile walking distance. As I walk briskly down the sidewalk sandwiched between the building. The high speed wind funneling through the building as I lean forward against it. Didn’t I mention that year, we had few heavy snowstorms? Do you think this make me a happy camper. HELL NO!
Upon my arrival with rosy cheek, I nearly made it. I sighed with a relief. I must admit, I am tad shocked because the classroom was full. The 8 a.m. class, something funny must be going on? I almost I felt I was in the wrong class. The class was not full of brown-nosing students, prim-perfect students, or straight A students. It was diverse. There is a sorority gal, a baseball player, a metrosexual car enthustiant, a goth party girl, a cyclist from China, a girl who have shy in her name, a rock climber from plains, and an actor pledged for the elite fraternity. I glanced and I recognized the students. I know that some students who will easily ditched the class. It was first day of school and that mean it is going to be all about syllabus and introduction. No biggie if I miss the class. They could have sleep in. Why didn’t we ditch?
The professor entered the classroom. He quickly strike as a jolly fellow with a thick beard and medium long hair wearing a Kangol hat. He retorted, “I am growing my hair longer for the upcoming event, Lock of Love, to donate to the illness children who need hair”. He was the most intriguing teacher I had. The class was always engrossed in exciting discussions. the professor always add extra information that no textbook maybe ever published. He was a master storyteller. He would told the story about his life and how it define who he become. The professor was a philanthropic New Yorker Jew with advanced degree in psychology and counseling with a passion for radio control airplane. The Dead Poets Society had John Keating, and we had Dr. Stephen Weiner.
Aha! No wonder the classroom was full. It turn out that I was lucky I had the best professor and the funniest class.
The first day of class transformed me. I look forward getting out of bed going to that 8 a.m. class and ready to discuss about something very interesting. Every time I going to that class and I leave a better person. There was no need for morning coffee.
The public speaking class helped my meek spirit blossomed into a confident person. I was a poster boy who clenched behind the podium, stare directly at the paper and almost no word coming out me. The training has given me the skills I need to lead the organization, become a better listener, and able to get my messages across clearly. Now, you will find me on an open stage in front of thousand people giving an animated speaking.
Today, this professor, Dr. Stephen Weiner, is the provost of Gallaudet University. He is the man who put the foundation under the castle and he maintains high standard of operation where the student can make the best investment of their lifetime.
I want to share a wonderful textbook that was used for my Public Speaking class. The book is Public Speaking sixth edition by Osborn/Osborn. I highly recommend this informative book. Book covered on types of speaking, ethical, design, technique, and examples. It have everything you need to know about public speaking. It will take your inspirational speeches to the next level.
Interested? Click Public Speaking, Osborn & Osborn, 7th Edition
I retrieved the information from that text book on the types of speaking below. The credit going to Public Speaking by Osborn/Osborn.
Types of Speaking
Informative Speeches -to educate the people on new information. It is for the audience to take it or not. It should supply in unbiased manner. It is not to change one’s belief.
Speech of description – give the audience a clear picture of your subject. it is often describe in colorful tone to paint, a vivid picture.
Speech of demonstration -shows the audience how to do something. It is often done in step-by-step.
Speech of explanation – information about subjects that are abstract or complicated. It is a speech that categorized things through explanations often using comparison and contrast to see the picture better through examples.
Briefing – short informative presentation in an organizational setting. It is a small report often using in one-on-one or a small meeting to update the new information.
Persuasive speech -art of getting others to consider our point of view fairly and favorably.
Evidence, proof, and argument speech – carefully put the facts, points, reason to presents the information to public on topics by educate and to convince them.
Ceremonial Speech -to recognize a celebratory in someone life such as wedding or graduation.
Speech of tribute – center on a person or an event, recognizes and celebrates accomplishments.
Award presentation – recognizes the achievements or contributions of those on whom the award is bestowed.
Eulogy – speech of tribute presented on the death of a person.
Toast – ceremonial speech in miniature, offered as a tribute to people and what they have done, as a blessing for their future or simply as lighthearted enjoyment of the present moment.
Speech of acceptance - respond after award or honor to express gratitude and acknowledge those who made the accomplishment possible.
Speech of introduction – you introduce a featured speaker to the audience.
speech of inspiration – arouses an audience to appreciate, commit to, and pursue a goal, purpose, or set of values or belief.
After-dinner speech – occasions that celebrate special events or that mark the beginning or end of a course of action
Master of ceremonies – speakers who expected to keep the program moving along, introduce participants and possibly present awards.
Take your time to understand the type of speaking. Each of those types required different approach, design, and technique. It will play a important role in building an inspirational speech. Keep on writing, practice, and learning. The more you do and the better you get. Our world need more heart touching stories to keep our morale high.
