CHAPTER 6
SPEECHES
Americans must be aware of the Navy’s role in
national defense, forward presence, aiding allies and
protecting national interests. Logistically, however, it is
not possible for most Americans to observe the Navy in
action at sea firsthand.
The Navy can clearly and convincingly
communicate to the American people its important role
by getting Navy people to tell the Navy’s story at the
grass roots level. Speeches are an easy, inexpensive way
to do this.
From the Navy’s point of view, a speech is made
only for the purpose of transiting a Navy message
effectively to the largest number of influential people in
the community. The impact of a good speech has
far-reaching significance, primarily because the
audience will not only discuss the speech among
themselves, but pass the message to colleagues, friends,
family members and other contacts–virtually ensuring
continuous circulation.
Every time a Navy representative talks to an
American Legion post or a chapter of the Jaycees, he
carries a message–the Navy’s story. For 10, 15 or 20
minutes, he has the audience’s undivided attention.
When a speaker delivers a good speech, he makes a
worthwhile impression upon the audience which causes
it to act upon the message received. Even with relatively
small groups, personal presentation of the Navy’s case
is still the most effective means of gaining community
cooperation.
As a senior journalist, your role is to communicate
the Navy’s story in one or all of four capacities: (1) as a
ghost writer, (2) as the coordinator of a speaking
engagement, (3) as the speaker on certain occasions and
(4) as the organizer of a command speakers bureau.
SPEECH PREPARATION
Learning Objective:
Recognize the importance of
effective speech planning and the steps in preparing a
speech.
Speech preparation or planning is defined as the
process of planning a talk before, during and after the
actual researching. These steps save speech planners,
writers and presenters much time and anxiety in the
preparation of oral and visual presentations.
The following are the four basic steps in planning
an effective speech: (1) accepting the right speaking
engagement, (2) choosing and researching your topic,
(3) assessing the occasion and (4) assessing the
location.
ACCEPTING THE RIGHT SPEAKING
ENGAGEMENT
The DoD encourages Navy military and civilian
personnel to serve as speakers in both public and private
forums. These forums are considered appropriate when
the following conditions exist:
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The views expressed are according to national
policy.
The topics discussed are within the cognizance
of the DoD.
Participation does not interfere with assigned
duties of personnel.
The speaking engagement would not take on the
appearance of a conflict of interest, commercial
endorsement or benefit, and so forth.
There are unsuitable speaking forums to avoid, such
as addressing a partisan political group or any
organization that could be considered extremist. DoD
policy prohibits Navy speakers from appearing at an
event where the attendance is barred to anyone because
of race, creed, color or national origin or if the group
sponsoring the event is discriminatory in a similar
fashion.
Speaking at fund-raising events is also prohibited,
except for certain designated causes, such as the
Combined Federal Campaign, USO and Navy Relief.
For further guidance, consult PA Regs, Chapter 3.
CHOOSING AND RESEARCHING YOUR
TOPIC
The speech topic you choose should reflect your
command’s direct area of responsibility and be of
significance to the audience. Thorough research
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